Healthcare Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Des Moines, IA is $60,186 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$60,186
vs State Avg
+$1,962
vs National
$-5,234
Cost of Living
92%

Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $60,186, which is $1,962 above the Iowa state average of $58,224. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% 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 therapy assistants in Des Moines spans from $38,640 at the 10th percentile to $84,640 at the 90th percentile — a $46,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,480, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,960. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $40,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,480
$-3,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,720
$-5,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,960
$-7,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $38,640
25th Percentile $47,840
Median (50th) $60,186
75th Percentile $73,600
90th Percentile $84,640

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$62,149
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$57,570
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$56,261
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$54,953
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Des Moines

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ExercisesPatient CareDocumentationCommunicationAdaptabilityCompassion

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in Des Moines, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $60,186 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $38,640 (10th percentile) to $84,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,186, a occupational therapy assistant in Des Moines earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Des Moines's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $60,186 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $58,224. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $60,186 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapy assistant in Des Moines? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Des Moines require a associate's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Exercises, Patient Care, Documentation, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 25% nationally over the next decade.