Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Ottumwa, IA: $49,184 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Ottumwa, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,184 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ottumwa's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,407 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,520) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field as occupational therapy assistants in Ottumwa, Iowa, the initial compensation is projected to be around $49,184 annually in 2026. This entry-level pay is notably lower than the median annual salary of $62,520 in the area, highlighting a significant gap to be aware of. Over the first few years, new COTAs can anticipate gradual salary growth, with expectations of reaching approximately $55,878 at the 25th percentile as they accrue experience. Ottumwa presents a reasonable job market for freshly minted professionals, considering the local demand for counseling support in rehabilitation and therapy settings, which can create opportunities for quick advancement and salary increases for driven individuals.
About the Ottumwa Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ottumwa
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 Ottumwa
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Ottumwa, IA typically start between $49,184 and $55,878 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $24,165 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,520 — 15.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Iowa of $20,000 represents just 40.66% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($49,184/year) in Ottumwa. 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 Ottumwa
- 1Research the Ottumwa market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $49,184 to $55,878, 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 Ottumwa, 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 Ottumwa for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ottumwa'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 Ottumwa is $24,165 ( 49.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,184, experienced hygienists can earn up to $73,349.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,772
2025 BLS Actual
$47,840
2026 Current Est.
$49,184
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Ottumwa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,772 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,119 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,492 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,542 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,220 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,350 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,840 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,184 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,566 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Ottumwa, IA grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,772 in 2019 to $47,840 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,566. New graduates entering the Ottumwa job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa
Employers in Ottumwa that hire entry-level occupational therapy assistants usually include skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and rehab firms that tend to favor new grads due to their training programs. School districts may also appeal to new COTAs, offering attractive schedules that allow for summers off. Outpatient clinics may prefer experienced staff but often have roles for newly licensed COTAs to support specific practices, such as pediatrics or hand therapy. Possessing credentials like an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, passing the NBCOT exam for the COTA designation, and obtaining a state OTA license can help boost starting pay in Iowa. As COTAs work under the supervision of OTs, understanding Medicare rules is vital, especially following the 15% payment cut imposed on OTA services. New graduates should focus on gaining varied experiences within the first few years, recognizing that realistic salary growth will occur as they enhance their skills and potentially pursue advanced practice areas through continuing education opportunities offered by AOTA.
More salary data for Ottumwa, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Ottumwa in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Ottumwa?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Ottumwa?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Ottumwa?
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 Ottumwa. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ottumwa is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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