Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Des Moines, WA: $38.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Des Moines, WA runs $38.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,094 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,461 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly pay of $38.03, occupational therapy assistants in Des Moines, WA, enjoy a rate that exceeds the national average of $35.74. This elevated hourly rate allows those working part-time—around three days a week or 24 hours—to earn a sustainable income, making the profession appealing for individuals seeking flexibility in their schedules. Per-diem occupational therapy assistants, particularly, find this rate advantageous as they may operate in various settings including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health environments. The hourly range in Des Moines spans from $27.68 at the entry-level to around $46.03 for the most experienced professionals, thus presenting opportunities for substantial earnings based on expertise and specialization.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.68 | $221.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.60 | $260.81 |
| Median (P50) | $38.03 | $304.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.31 | $330.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.03 | $368.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines
Based on $38.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.03/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, WA can expect to earn approximately $79,101 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,635. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,521.18 | $6,592 | $79,101 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $912.71 | $3,955 | $47,461 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $608.47 | $2,637 | $31,640 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Des Moines) | $38.03 |
| 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 Des Moines, WA earn a median of $79,094 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.41% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $79,812.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.03/hr = $47,461/year (purchasing power: $44,191).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,101/year (purchasing power: $73,651).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Des Moines grew 17.5% from $31.47/hr (2019) to $36.99/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.10/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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines
When comparing part-time earnings to full-time schedules, a 24-hour work week yields approximately $44,092 annually, significantly less than a full-time equivalent. Many COTAs choose per-diem work, which typically sees hourly rates between $30 and $45, and travel contracts can offer robust compensation from $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. However, some may find that working in skilled nursing facilities or outpatient settings offers lower hourly wages in exchange for substantial benefits packages. Negotiating hourly pay in Des Moines can hinge on the balance between hourly rates and the inclusion of health benefits, a key consideration for many. As the $30-$45 per hour pay range suggests, understanding the market is crucial for securing positions that align with individual needs while accounting for changes instituted by the 15% Medicare cut and rising living costs in the region.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Des Moines in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Des Moines?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Des Moines paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Des Moines?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Des Moines?
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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 Des Moines. 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 Des Moines 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