Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Fort Dodge, IA: $29.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Fort Dodge, IA runs $29.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,681 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Fort Dodge's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,004 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Dodge, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected at $29.65 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $35.74 per hour. This discrepancy presents both an opportunity and a challenge for professionals working in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. For part-time workers, such as those averaging three days a week, the hourly rate translates to a consistent income while allowing flexibility. For those opting for per-diem work, which is prevalent in the field, the earnings can fluctuate; however, many facilities may offer a range of $22.63 to $33.98 based on experience, location, and funding. Understanding this hourly range is essential for prospective COTAs in Fort Dodge, as it can inform career decisions and workplace negotiations moving forward.
About the Fort Dodge 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) | $22.63 | $181.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.02 | $208.17 |
| Median (P50) | $29.65 | $237.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.91 | $255.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.98 | $271.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Dodge
Based on $29.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.65/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Dodge, IA can expect to earn approximately $61,673 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,580. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Dodge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Dodge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,186.02 | $5,139 | $61,673 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $711.61 | $3,084 | $37,004 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $474.41 | $2,056 | $24,669 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Fort Dodge) | $29.65 |
| 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 Fort Dodge, IA earn a median of $61,681 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.02% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 8.20% below the Iowa state average of $67,190.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.65/hr = $37,004/year (purchasing power: $40,933).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,673/year (purchasing power: $68,222).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fort Dodge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Fort Dodge grew 17.5% from $24.54/hr (2019) to $28.84/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.48/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 Fort Dodge 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 Fort Dodge
The potential earnings for a part-time occupational therapy assistant can differ significantly from those of full-time employees, leading to considerations beyond hourly rate alone. While a COTA working 24 hours weekly could earn about $36,792 annually, full-timers can anticipate higher earnings based on consistent hours worked. In the per-diem realm, occupational therapy assistant pay in Fort Dodge typically falls between $30 and $45 per hour; however, contractors traveling could earn upwards of $1,100 to $1,700 weekly, depending on demand and placement. Employers, ranging from schools to home health agencies, may offer variations in pay and benefits that influence one’s choices. While some may accept lesser hourly rates for health insurance and stability, others may prefer a higher hourly wage without benefits. This decision often comes down to individual circumstances, frequently positioning COTAs at a crossroads where pragmatic negotiations can have lasting effects on their financial well-being in the evolving healthcare market in IA.
More salary data for Fort Dodge, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Fort Dodge in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Fort Dodge?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Fort Dodge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Fort Dodge?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Fort Dodge?
Related Pages
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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 Fort Dodge. 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 Fort Dodge 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