Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Des Moines, IA: $52,207 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Des Moines, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,207 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Moines's local price level (BEA RPP 91.7 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,932 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,055) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the occupational therapy assistant field in Des Moines can expect to earn a starting salary around $52,207. This figure is notably below the median annual salary of $66,055 for all occupational therapy assistants in the city, illustrating the gap that many entry-level practitioners might face. However, there's potential for growth as new professionals advance in their careers. With experience, salaries can increase significantly, moving from entry-level pay to around $60,658 at the 25th percentile and eventually to the median as their skills and expertise develop. Despite the modest starting wage, the job market in Des Moines remains promising, offering various opportunities for new grads eager to gain practical experience and grow within the profession.
Career Earnings Timeline in Des Moines
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 Des Moines
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Des Moines, IA typically start between $52,207 and $60,658 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,927 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,055 — 11.14% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Iowa of $20,000 represents just 38.31% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($52,207/year) in Des Moines. 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 Des Moines
- 1Research the Des Moines market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $52,207 to $60,658, 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 Des Moines, 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 Des Moines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Moines'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 Des Moines is $33,927 ( 64.99%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,207, experienced hygienists can earn up to $86,134.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,700
2025 BLS Actual
$50,780
2026 Current Est.
$52,207
2019–2027 Growth
+25.7%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,700 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,140 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,860 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,350 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,010 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,780 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,207 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,674 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Des Moines, IA grew 18.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,700 in 2019 to $50,780 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,674. New graduates entering the Des Moines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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 Des Moines
New graduates aiming to secure entry-level positions as occupational therapy assistants in Des Moines should consider employers that regularly hire inexperienced COTAs, such as skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), which often provide training alongside job experience. Additionally, school districts can be appealing due to the flexibility of a summer-off schedule, while outpatient clinics may prefer seasoned COTAs but do offer mentorship for those beginning their careers, particularly in pediatric or hand-therapy areas. Credentials play a vital role in boosting initial earning potential; having an Associate’s degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, passing the NBCOT national exam for COTA certification, and obtaining a state OTA license are essential. It's wise for new COTAs to continuously seek additional training and education, especially given the recent 15% Medicare Part B pay cuts, which have impacted earning capacity in certain settings. Gradual salary growth expectations during the early years may align with typical career advancement trajectories, allowing for a strategic pathway towards increased earnings within the profession.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Des Moines in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Des Moines?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Des Moines?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Des Moines?
How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in Iowa?
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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 Des Moines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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