Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Johnston, IA: $29.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Johnston, IA runs $29.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,368 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Johnston's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,414 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Johnston, IA, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $29.98 for 2026, which falls significantly below the national median of $35.74 per hour. This means that part-time workers, often employed for 24 hours across three days a week, would take home a net of approximately $28,018 annually—quite different from full-time counterparts. With an hourly range from $23.47 for entry-level positions to $35.99 for the most experienced professionals, potential earnings can vary considerably. This data suggests that while entry-level COTAs may find themselves in skilled nursing facilities or school settings earning on the lower end of the spectrum, those advancing into outpatient rehab or specialized clinics have the opportunity to elevate their earnings.
About the Johnston 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) | $23.47 | $187.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.71 | $213.68 |
| Median (P50) | $29.98 | $239.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.66 | $261.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.99 | $287.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Johnston
Based on $29.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.98/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Johnston, IA can expect to earn approximately $62,357 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,975. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Johnston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Johnston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,199.18 | $5,196 | $62,357 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $719.51 | $3,118 | $37,414 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $479.67 | $2,079 | $24,943 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Johnston) | $29.98 |
| 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 Johnston, IA earn a median of $62,368 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.10% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.20% below the Iowa state average of $67,206.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.98/hr = $37,414/year (purchasing power: $41,387).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,357/year (purchasing power: $68,979).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Johnston grew 17.5% from $24.81/hr (2019) to $29.16/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.82/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 Johnston 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 Johnston
When it comes to part-time earnings, a 3-day work schedule can limit the financial benefits compared to full-time roles while also presenting a desirable work-life balance. Conversely, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Johnston ranges from $30 to $45 an hour, which is appealing for those seeking flexible schedules, though travel contracts may run higher—with weekly pay between $1,100 and $1,700. As occupational therapy assistants weigh options, they’ll notice variations across employers; for example, skilled nursing facilities may offer lower rates due to reduced reimbursements from Medicare cuts, while outpatient clinics might pay higher hourly rates but require more intensive case management. It's essential for COTAs to negotiate effectively by considering benefits versus hourly pay; positions providing health insurance may offer lower pay but deliver essential security.
More salary data for Johnston, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Johnston in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Johnston?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Johnston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Johnston?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Johnston?
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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 Johnston. 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 Johnston 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