Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Davenport, IA: $43,910 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Davenport, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,910 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Davenport's local price level (BEA RPP 89.1 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,293 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,238) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
At the start of their careers, entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Davenport, Iowa can expect a starting salary around $43,910. This figure contrasts with the city's median annual salary of $63,238, illustrating the significant gap that new graduates face as they transition into the workforce. While the entry-level pay may seem modest, opportunities for growth exist; those entering the profession can reasonably aim for $48,794 within the first few years, with the potential to reach the median salary as they gain experience and skills. Given Davenport's professional landscape, it remains a viable market for new grads, especially as the demand for healthcare services continues to increase, driven by an aging population that requires rehabilitation support.
Career Earnings Timeline in Davenport
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Davenport
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Davenport, IA typically start between $43,910 and $48,794 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,320 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,238 — 14.92% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Iowa of $20,000 represents just 45.55% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($43,910/year) in Davenport. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school settings.
OTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Davenport
- 1Research the Davenport market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $43,910 to $48,794, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Davenport, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Davenport for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Davenport's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Compensation Range
The occupational therapy assistant wage spread in Davenport is $52,320 ( 119.15%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,910, experienced hygienists can earn up to $96,230.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,614
2025 BLS Actual
$42,710
2026 Current Est.
$43,910
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Davenport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,614 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,817 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,450 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,510 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,760 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,710 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,910 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,144 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Davenport, IA grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,614 in 2019 to $42,710 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,144. New graduates entering the Davenport job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davenport metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Davenport
New graduates seeking entry-level occupational therapy assistant positions in Davenport will find that skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) represent the primary employers for newcomers in this field. Though outpatient clinics often prefer experienced COTAs, many provide training, particularly in pediatric and hand-therapy support. To enhance starting pay in Iowa, new COTAs should ensure they hold an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, pass the NBCOT national exam for the COTA credential, and secure their state OTA license. While the recent 15% reduction in Medicare Part B payments for OTA-provided services may exert downward pressure on salaries in various settings, continuing education and specialization can offer pathways to higher wages. New professionals can realistically expect modest salary increases during their first few years in Davenport, contingent upon the credibility of the organizations they work for and their commitment to furthering their qualifications through programs offered by AOTA and NBCOT.
More salary data for Davenport, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Davenport in 2026?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Davenport. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
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