OT Assistant Salary

Bettendorf vs Davenport: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Bettendorf, IA and Davenport, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bettendorf, IA
$64,197
$30.86/hr
Davenport, IA
$63,238
$30.40/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBettendorf, IADavenport, IA
Median Salary$64,197$63,238
Hourly Rate$30.86$30.40
Entry Level (P10)$48,425$43,910
25th Percentile$56,100$48,794
75th Percentile$70,856$84,417
Top Earner (P90)$79,224$96,230
Total Employed1060
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bettendorf ($64,197) and Davenport ($63,238) occupational therapy assistant salaries.BettendorfDavenportMedian Salary$64,197$63,238Entry Level (P10)$48,425$43,910Top Earner (P90)$79,224$96,230US Median $74,332

Verdict

Bettendorf and Davenport are closely matched on overall occupational therapy assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Bettendorf and Davenport is $959 (1.52%). Bettendorf's median is -13.63% compared to the US national median of $74,332.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bettendorf spans $30,799,Davenport spans $52,320. Davenport has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.

Bettendorf
P10 (Entry)$48,425
P25$56,100
Median$64,197
P75$70,856
P90 (Top)$79,224
Davenport
P10 (Entry)$43,910
P25$48,794
Median$63,238
P75$84,417
P90 (Top)$96,230

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bettendorf ($71,014 effective) pays 0.03% more than Davenport ($70,991 effective).

Bettendorf
Nominal: $64,197
CoL Index: 90.4
Adjusted: $71,014
Davenport
Nominal: $63,238
CoL Index: 89.079
Adjusted: $70,991

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bettendorf if…

  • Higher median salary ($64,197/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,014)
  • You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle

Choose Davenport if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($96,230)
  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Bettendorf grew 16.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.0% growth in Davenport over the same period.

Bettendorf, IA

+16.6%

$53,547 (2024) → $62,442 (2025)

Davenport, IA

+6.0%

$58,040 (2021) → $61,510 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Bettendorf or Davenport?

Bettendorf has a higher median occupational therapy assistant salary at $64,197/year, compared to Davenport at $63,238/year — a difference of $959 (1.52%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bettendorf and Davenport?

Bettendorf occupational therapy assistants earn $30.86/hr while Davenport hygienists earn $30.40/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bettendorf to Davenport as a occupational therapy assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bettendorf and Davenport. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bettendorf = $71,014, Davenport = $70,991), job availability (10 vs 60 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Bettendorf vs Davenport?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapy assistants earn $48,425 in Bettendorf and $43,910 in Davenport. The Bettendorf area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, COTA/LData verified by Samuel Chen, OTR/L

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov