Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Muscatine, IA: $62,757 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Muscatine, IA earns a median $62,757/year (≈ $30.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Muscatine's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $69,421 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Muscatine, a 2026 occupational therapy assistant salary of $62,757 reflects the impact of 15% Medicare cuts on pay structures across various sectors. The salary range stretches from $49,705 at the P10 to $73,919 at the P90, capturing the diversity in compensation based on the work setting. Amid tight budget constraints, income levels are shaped significantly by the economic realities facing skilled nursing facilities, schools, and hospitals. The region's adaptation to these changes illustrates both the challenges and opportunities for those considering careers in occupational therapy assistant roles, especially given the projected growth rate of 2.81% in employment within this field.
About the Muscatine Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,705 | $23.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,382 | $27.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,757 | $30.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,439 | $32.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,919 | $35.54 |
Median Salary Position
15.57% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Muscatine
In Muscatine, IA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,214 (2026 est.). At $62,757, the local median is 15.57% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Muscatine: You'd be above the median
How Muscatine Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Muscatine median: $62,757/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Muscatine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $67,192 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -15.57% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Muscatine, IA earn a median of $62,757 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.57% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 6.60% below the Iowa state average of $67,192.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Muscatine 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.
Muscatine, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $62,757 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,421 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,932
2025 BLS Actual
$61,042
2026 Current Est.
$62,757
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Muscatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,932 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,139 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,118 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,245 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,576 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,346 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,042 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,757 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,521 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Muscatine metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $51,932 (2019) to $61,042 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,521 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,589 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Muscatine 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) | $49,705 – $56,382 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,382 – $62,757 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,757 – $67,439 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,439 – $73,919 |
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 Muscatine
While Muscatine currently employs just five occupational therapy assistants, the local job outlook remains steady, particularly for those in rehabilitation hospitals or outpatient clinics, which tend to offer higher pay compared to skilled nursing facilities. The area's cost of living index of 90.4 indicates that salaries stretch further than in many parts of the country, enhancing overall purchasing power despite lower pay rates. To maximize their earnings, COTAs can consider securing roles with hospitals or outpatient settings rather than schools, where pay may be lower and based on the academic calendar. Additionally, being flexible to fill weekend or PRN shifts typically allows for earning potential to increase. The influence of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut and various productivity expectations underline the importance of aligning job choice with market trends in navigating occupational therapy assistant pay in Muscatine, IA.
More salary data for Muscatine, 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 $61,042 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Muscatine 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 Muscatine 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