Cedar Rapids vs Waterloo: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Waterloo, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,037 | $63,290▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.98 | $30.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,064 | $49,010▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,064 | $58,458▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,942 | $67,783▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,897 | $76,408▲ |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Waterloo, IA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Rapids.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Waterloo is $9,253 (17.12%). Waterloo's median is -14.85% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $26,833,Waterloo spans $27,398. Waterloo has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Waterloo ($72,699 effective) pays 19.69% more than Cedar Rapids ($60,741 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Waterloo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,290/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,408)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,699)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Cedar Rapids grew -4.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.9% growth in Waterloo over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$55,010 (2019) → $52,560 (2025)
Waterloo, IA
$54,530 (2019) → $61,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Waterloo, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Cedar Rapids or Waterloo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Waterloo?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Waterloo as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Cedar Rapids vs Waterloo?
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.
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