Des Moines vs Waterloo: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Des Moines, IA and Waterloo, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,055▲ | $63,290 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.76▲ | $30.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,207▲ | $49,010 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,658▲ | $58,458 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,269▲ | $67,783 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,134▲ | $76,408 |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterloo.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Waterloo is $2,765 (4.37%). Des Moines's median is -11.14% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $33,927,Waterloo spans $27,398. Des Moines has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Waterloo ($72,699 effective) pays 0.93% more than Des Moines ($72,033 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,055/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,134)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Waterloo if…
- ✓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 Des Moines grew 13.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.9% growth in Waterloo over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$56,590 (2019) → $64,250 (2025)
Waterloo, IA
$54,530 (2019) → $61,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Waterloo, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Des Moines or Waterloo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Waterloo?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Waterloo as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Des Moines 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