Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Bettendorf, IA: $30.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Bettendorf, IA runs $30.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,197 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Bettendorf's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,518 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bettendorf, Iowa, occupational therapy assistants can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $30.86, which trails behind the national median of $35.74. This hourly wage can significantly impact professionals in various employment settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and through home health visits. Importantly, the hourly rates for this profession vary widely, typically spanning from $23.28 for entry-level positions up to $38.09 for those at the top of the pay scale. These figures are estimates derived from annual salary data, providing a helpful perspective for part-time and per-diem workers seeking flexible schedules, such as those aiming to work three days a week.
About the Bettendorf 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) | $23.28 | $186.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.97 | $215.74 |
| Median (P50) | $30.86 | $246.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.06 | $272.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.09 | $304.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bettendorf
Based on $30.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.86/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bettendorf, IA can expect to earn approximately $64,196 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,036. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bettendorf.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bettendorf
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,234.54 | $5,350 | $64,196 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $740.73 | $3,210 | $38,518 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $493.82 | $2,140 | $25,678 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Bettendorf) | $30.86 |
| 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 Bettendorf, IA earn a median of $64,197 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.63% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.50% below the Iowa state average of $67,222.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.86/hr = $38,518/year (purchasing power: $42,608).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,196/year (purchasing power: $71,014).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Bettendorf (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Bettendorf grew 17.5% from $25.54/hr (2019) to $30.02/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.73/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 Bettendorf 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 Bettendorf
As part-time occupational therapy assistants typically work 24 hours a week, their annual earnings can differ considerably compared to full-time counterparts. Those pursuing per-diem opportunities might find themselves earning between $30 and $45 per hour, with travel positions offering contracts that range from $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. In Bettendorf, factors such as employer type play a crucial role in determining hourly pay; skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics may offer different rates compared to school districts and home health care agencies. Interestingly, some occupational therapy assistants may choose lower hourly rates for positions that include benefits like health insurance, which can influence their overall compensation strategy. To negotiate effectively in this market, it's vital for workers to articulate their value while remaining aware of the competitive pay landscape shaped by recent Medicare cuts affecting COTAs.
More salary data for Bettendorf, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Bettendorf in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Bettendorf?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Bettendorf paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Bettendorf?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Bettendorf?
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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 Bettendorf. 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 Bettendorf 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