Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Dubuque, IA: $67,995 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Dubuque, IA earns a median $67,995/year (≈ $32.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Dubuque's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $75,216 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dubuque, Iowa, the projected occupational therapy assistant salary in 2026 is positioned at $67,995 annually, which reflects a modest difference of approximately 8.53% below the national median of $74,332. The salary spectrum ranges from $48,290 at the 10th percentile to $84,723 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse set of earning potentials based on professional experience and setting. These estimates draw from 2025 BLS data, adjusted to account for regional cost variations, revealing the influence of local factors on pay rates. In the context of productivity expectations, professionals in this field typically balance the number of therapy visits per day, which can directly impact compensation structures in various healthcare environments across Dubuque.
About the Dubuque Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,290 | $23.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,478 | $27.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,995 | $32.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,077 | $36.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,723 | $40.73 |
Median Salary Position
8.53% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dubuque
In Dubuque, IA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,433 (2026 est.). At $67,995, the local median is 8.53% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Dubuque: You'd be above the median
How Dubuque Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Dubuque median: $67,995/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dubuque Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $67,189 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | -8.53% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Dubuque, IA earn a median of $67,995 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.53% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.20% above the Iowa state average of $67,189.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dubuque 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.
Dubuque, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $67,995 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $75,216 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,267
2025 BLS Actual
$66,137
2026 Current Est.
$67,995
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Dubuque (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,267 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,575 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,468 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,773 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,298 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,715 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,137 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,995 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,906 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dubuque metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $56,267 (2019) to $66,137 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,906 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,639 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dubuque 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) | $48,290 – $57,478 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,478 – $67,995 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,995 – $75,077 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,077 – $84,723 |
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 Dubuque
Analyzing the local job market, there are currently 12 occupational therapy assistants employed in the Dubuque area, which indicates a niche field with specific opportunities for growth. With a cost of living index at 90.4, individuals may find that the purchasing power of their salaries is somewhat enhanced compared to national averages. Among potential employers, skilled nursing facilities generally offer higher wages compared to outpatient clinics and school districts, particularly in response to the ongoing demands of patient care. The disparity between lower and higher salaries can stem from multiple factors such as the expectations for productivity and the fluctuating contracts based on academic calendars. Given the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut affecting OTA-provided services, those in skilled nursing and outpatient settings need to navigate their compensation strategies carefully. To maximize earnings in Dubuque, COTAs should consider options such as pursuing additional certifications or moving into more lucrative roles within inpatient rehabilitation facilities or early intervention programs.
More salary data for Dubuque, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 $66,137 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Dubuque 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 Dubuque 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