Occupational Therapist salary in Iowa
Occupational Therapists in Iowa earn a median of $42.68 per hour, about $88,780 a year, 10% below the U.S. median of $47.28. The middle half earn between $37.76 and $49.75 per hour. The highest median among Iowa metro areas is in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, at $46.73 per hour. Source: BLS, May 2024.
- $42.68median pay per hour
- $88,780median pay per year
- 1,170employed in Iowa
- #39of 50 states by median pay
Occupational Therapist pay in Iowa: percentiles
| Level | Iowa per hour | Iowa per year | U.S. per hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest 10% | $33.44 | $69,560 | $32.25 |
| Lower quartile | $37.76 | $78,540 | $38.70 |
| Median | $42.68 | $88,780 | $47.28 |
| Upper quartile | $49.75 | $103,480 | $53.11 |
| Top 10% | $55.42 | $115,270 | $62.42 |
Occupational Therapist pay by metro area in Iowa
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year | Employed | vs Iowa median | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $46.73 | $97,190 | 320 | 9% above | $50.96 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $42.96 | $89,350 | 50 | 1% above | $49.69 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $41.12 | $85,530 | 150 | 4% below | $46.16 |
| Dubuque, IA | $40.79 | $84,840 | 50 | 4% below | $46.71 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $40.14 | $83,490 | 100 | 6% below | $45.12 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $40.01 | $83,220 | 90 | 6% below | $45.96 |
| Ames, IA | $39.23 | $81,590 | 30 | 8% below | $44.16 |
| Iowa City, IA | $38.85 | $80,810 | 80 | 9% below | $42.45 |
Metro areas with 30 or more workers in the BLS sample. After cost of living divides the median by the BEA regional price index (U.S. = 100).
Occupational Therapist pay in states next to Iowa
Occupational Therapist jobs in Iowa · Occupational Therapist salary nationwide · Iowa state guide
Common questions
How much does a occupational therapist make in Iowa?
The median is $42.68 per hour, about $88,780 a year. The lowest 10% earn under $33.44 and the top 10% earn over $55.42 (BLS, May 2024).
Which Iowa city pays occupational therapists the most?
Among Iowa metro areas, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has the highest median at $46.73 per hour. See the metro table for the rest and for pay after cost of living.
Where does Iowa rank for occupational therapist pay?
Iowa ranks 39th of 50 states by median occupational therapist pay.
Is this the same as the pay in job postings?
No. BLS figures come from a survey of employers and cover all workers in the occupation. Posted pay is the range an employer lists on one open role. Both are useful: use the survey for the market and the posting for a specific job.
What do employers near you pay occupational therapists? Get the report.
Tell us your role and city. Within 24 hours you get an email with three things, by employer name. It costs you nothing, because employers pay us.
- 1Pay for your role at other hospitals
The hourly pay at named employers near you, so you see who pays most.
- 2What they are offering now
The pay range and median across current postings, and how many were posted this month.
- 3Roles open for you right now
Every current opening near you with pay, shift and start date. Reply with one click.
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20+ Occupational Therapist roles in Iowa, sent free by email
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Your OT pay reportIowa · employer-reported wage offers in federal filings, July 2025 – June 2026
1Pay for your role at other employers
- Grandison Management, Inc.Shenandoah, IA · 1 wage offer$34.95/ hr$35–$35
- Grandison Management, Inc.Wapello, IA · 1 wage offer$33.90/ hr$34–$34
- Grandison Management, Inc.Donnellson, IA · 1 wage offer$33.90/ hr$34–$34
Median pay per hour, with the range each employer reported in federal filings.
2What they are offering now
4 employer-reported wage offers for OT in federal filings in Iowa, July 2025 – June 2026. Month-by-month history by employer comes with your full report.
3Open now: 1 OT roles
- Occupational TherapistPer diem$47.50–$47.50/ hour
Each one has pay, shift and start date.