Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Clinton, IA: $63,055 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Clinton, IA earns a median $63,055/year (≈ $30.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Clinton's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $69,751 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.2% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Clinton, IA, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $63,055 in 2026. This figure places Clinton's earnings roughly 15.17% lower than the national median of $74,332 for the same year. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at $48,558 and those at the higher end of the scale earning up to $74,982. These numbers reflect estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions. With the potential for productivity expectations shaping income, those in more intensive roles or focused settings can typically command better compensation.
About the Clinton Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,558 | $23.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,595 | $26.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,055 | $30.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,059 | $32.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,982 | $36.05 |
Median Salary Position
15.17% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clinton
In Clinton, IA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,424 (2026 est.). At $63,055, the local median is 15.17% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clinton: You'd be above the median
How Clinton Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Clinton median: $63,055/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clinton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $67,223 | -6.20% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -15.17% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Clinton, IA earn a median of $63,055 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.17% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 6.20% below the Iowa state average of $67,223.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clinton has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clinton, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $63,055 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,751 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,179
2025 BLS Actual
$61,332
2026 Current Est.
$63,055
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Clinton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,179 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,392 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,365 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,503 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,844 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,595 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,332 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,055 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,827 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clinton metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $52,179 (2019) to $61,332 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,827 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,648 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clinton 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $48,558 – $55,595 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,595 – $63,055 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,055 – $68,059 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,059 – $74,982 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Clinton
The job market for occupational therapy assistants in Clinton remains modest, with only six individuals currently employed in the field. The cost of living in the area, indicated by a cost-of-living index of 90.4, suggests that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the relative affordability could enhance overall purchasing power for local residents. Employers in skilled nursing facilities and higher-acuity settings often offer the most lucrative salaries, as opposed to positions in school districts. Variability in salaries can arise due to factors such as weekend shifts, productivity requirements, and the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut on payment rates. For those seeking to maximize their earnings in Clinton, pursuing roles at facilities with more intensive demands or considering shifts during peak hours may be effective strategies.
More salary data for Clinton, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Clinton?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $61,332 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Clinton metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clinton 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