Healthcare Iowa City, IA Pop. 74,828

Occupational Therapist Salary in Iowa City, Iowa

The median occupational therapist salary in Iowa City, IA is $88,521 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$88,521
vs State Avg
+$5,591
vs National
$-4,659
Cost of Living
95%

Occupational Therapist Pay in Iowa City: What to Expect (2026)

Iowa City offers a median occupational therapist salary of $88,521, which is $5,591 above the Iowa state average of $82,930. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Iowa City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Iowa City's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Iowa City spans from $58,900 at the 10th percentile to $121,135 at the 90th percentile — a $62,235 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,800, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $114,000. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $60,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $114,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$60,800
$-3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,350
$-4,650 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$114,000
$-6,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa City, IA

Percentile Iowa City
10th Percentile $58,900
25th Percentile $73,340
Median (50th) $88,521
75th Percentile $104,310
90th Percentile $121,135

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Des Moines, IA
$85,726
Pop. 214,133
Cedar Rapids, IA
$81,998
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$80,135
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$78,271
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Iowa City

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Iowa City and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Iowa City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Iowa City

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Iowa City, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Iowa City

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Iowa City, IA? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Iowa City, Iowa is $88,521 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $58,900 (10th percentile) to $121,135 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Iowa City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,521, a occupational therapist in Iowa City earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Iowa City compare to the Iowa state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Iowa City's median occupational therapist salary of $88,521 is 6.7% above the Iowa state average of $82,930. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Iowa City, IA? ▼
Iowa City has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $88,521 in Iowa City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Iowa City? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Iowa City require a master's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Activities, Patient Assessment, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.