Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Davenport, IA: $30.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Davenport, IA runs $30.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,238 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Davenport's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.1, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,940 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Davenport, Iowa, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at approximately $30.40 as of 2026. This figure is notably below the national median hourly rate of $35.74, indicating a wage disparity that might influence career decisions for potential COTAs. For those working part-time, such as in skilled nursing facilities or outpatient clinics, this pay translates to meaningful earnings, particularly for individuals seeking flexible schedules, like working three days a week. The hourly rate ranges from $21.12 for entry-level positions to $46.26 for those at the top of their field, delineating clear pathways for advancement. These figures are derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, reflecting an increasing demand for skilled support in a variety of therapy settings, including hospitals and schools in Davenport.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.12 | $168.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.46 | $187.69 |
| Median (P50) | $30.40 | $243.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.59 | $324.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.26 | $370.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Davenport
Based on $30.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.40/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Davenport, IA can expect to earn approximately $63,234 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,481. With a cost-of-living index of 89.08 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Davenport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Davenport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,216.04 | $5,269 | $63,234 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $729.62 | $3,162 | $37,940 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.41 | $2,108 | $25,294 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Davenport) | $30.40 |
| 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 Davenport, IA earn a median of $63,238 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.92% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.90% below the Iowa state average of $67,203.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.40/hr = $37,940/year (purchasing power: $42,592).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,234/year (purchasing power: $70,986).
CoL index: 89.079 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Davenport grew 17.5% from $25.16/hr (2019) to $29.57/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.26/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 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Davenport
Analyzing the earning potential further reveals that a part-time occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours per week could expect to take home approximately $37,197 annually, a significant contrast to full-time earnings. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Davenport typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, with travel contracts reaching up to $1,700 weekly. However, it’s noteworthy that the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut has affected agency staffing, leading some skilled nursing facilities to offer lower rates. Depending on the employer type—like outpatient settings or school district contracts—hourly earnings can greatly vary. COTAs may accept lower pay for stability and benefits, while some prioritize higher hourly rates without insurance. Occupational therapy assistants should prepare to negotiate pay based on their experience and the demand for services in different therapy environments, ensuring they understand the local market dynamics in Davenport, IA.
More salary data for Davenport, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Davenport in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Davenport?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Davenport paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Davenport?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Davenport?
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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
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 Davenport. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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