Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Waukee, IA: $30.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Waukee, IA runs $30.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,288 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Waukee's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,569 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Waukee, IA, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $30.90, which falls below the national median of $35.74. For those considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week, this translates into approximately $1,000 weekly before taxes, making it a viable option for many professionals looking for flexible work arrangements. The hourly range for occupational therapy assistants in Waukee varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at around $23.02 and advanced practitioners earning up to $34.99 per hour. These hourly estimates are derived from projected annual salary data, reflecting the financial dynamics within various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and schools.
About the Waukee 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) | $23.02 | $184.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.78 | $214.26 |
| Median (P50) | $30.90 | $247.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.26 | $258.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.99 | $279.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukee
Based on $30.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.90/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukee, IA can expect to earn approximately $64,282 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,086. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,236.19 | $5,357 | $64,282 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $741.71 | $3,214 | $38,569 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $494.47 | $2,143 | $25,713 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Waukee) | $30.90 |
| 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 Waukee, IA earn a median of $64,288 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.51% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.30% below the Iowa state average of $67,177.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.90/hr = $38,569/year (purchasing power: $42,665).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,282/year (purchasing power: $71,108).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Waukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Waukee grew 17.5% from $25.57/hr (2019) to $30.06/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.77/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 Waukee 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 Waukee
For those working part-time, a 3-day work week yields a take-home amount that could total around $52,416 annually, which is significantly lower than a full-time salary but offers greater schedule flexibility. On the per-diem front, occupational therapy assistants often experience varied pay rates depending on their work settings, billing between $30 and $45 per hour, with travel contracts earning approximately $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. In Waukee, compensation can also differ by employer type: skilled nursing facilities might offer lower rates but provide valuable health benefits, while outpatient clinics may offer higher pay without such perks. Negotiating terms can be beneficial, as some assistant positions allow for flexible hours in exchange for lower pay, appealing to those who prioritize work-life balance. For occupational therapy assistants in Waukee, understanding the nuances of employer types and the impact of the 15% Medicare cut in 2022 plays a crucial role in navigating career options and effectively negotiating their worth in the marketplace.
More salary data for Waukee, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Waukee in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Waukee?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Waukee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Waukee?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Waukee?
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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 Waukee. 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 Waukee 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