Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Ames, IA: $32.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Ames, IA runs $32.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,867 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Ames's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,122 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Ames, IA, is $32.15. This rate is notably lower than the national hourly median of $35.74, indicating some differences in compensation structures. For part-time positions, such as those requiring three days of work per week, this translates to around $520 each week before taxes, a figure that potential employees must evaluate against their personal financial needs. Per-diem occupational therapy assistants in Ames typically earn between $21.99 and $41.11 per hour, with those at the higher end often working in specialized settings like hospitals or outpatient clinics. This pay scale reflects a range from entry-level positions to established professionals, although it should be noted that these hourly rates are based on annual salary figures projected for 2026.
About the Ames Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.99 | $175.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.52 | $212.20 |
| Median (P50) | $32.15 | $257.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.06 | $288.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.11 | $328.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ames
Based on $32.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.15/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ames, IA can expect to earn approximately $66,869 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,578. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ames.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ames
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,285.95 | $5,572 | $66,869 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $771.57 | $3,343 | $40,122 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $514.38 | $2,229 | $26,748 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Ames) | $32.15 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Ames, IA earn a median of $66,867 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.04% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.50% below the Iowa state average of $67,203.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.15/hr = $40,122/year (purchasing power: $44,382).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,869/year (purchasing power: $73,970).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Ames (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Ames grew 17.5% from $26.60/hr (2019) to $31.27/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.05/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ames 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Ames
Part-time occupational therapy assistants working around 24 hours a week can earn approximately $27,280 annually, which may be a deciding factor for those seeking flexibility over full-time stability. As for per diem roles, these professionals often see hourly rates that vary significantly; while some might bill anywhere from $30 to $45 per hour, travel contracts can yield significantly more, running between $1,100 to $1,700 for a full week. Compensation across employer types in Ames, such as skilled nursing facilities or school districts, can differ greatly due to the nature of work and funding sources. Many occupational therapy assistants may choose lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. When considering job offers, COTAs should feel empowered to negotiate their pay; understanding the local market in Ames can provide crucial leverage to secure more favorable terms, whether through agency or direct employment opportunities.
More salary data for Ames, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Ames in 2026?
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Career Resources
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Ames. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ames 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