Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in North Liberty, IA: $63,369 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in North Liberty, IA earns a median $63,369/year (≈ $30.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in North Liberty's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $70,098 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.7% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant salary in North Liberty is projected to reach a median of $63,369, reflecting the local market's adaptation to changing healthcare demands. This figure falls within a salary range from $45,909 at the lower percentile (P10) to $75,946 at the upper end (P90), showcasing the potential variance in earnings based on experience, setting, and workload. Given that these estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, the salaries take into account adjustments for regional cost variations. The local job market for occupational therapy assistants can be influenced by pathways such as transitioning from a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to a Master’s in Occupational Therapy (MOT), which can enhance lifetime earning potential significantly.
About the North Liberty Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,909 | $22.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,691 | $27.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,369 | $30.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,763 | $33.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,946 | $36.51 |
Median Salary Position
14.75% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Liberty
In North Liberty, IA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,037 (2026 est.). At $63,369, the local median is 14.75% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in North Liberty: You'd be above the median
How North Liberty Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
North Liberty median: $63,369/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Liberty Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $67,199 | -5.70% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -14.75% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in North Liberty, IA earn a median of $63,369 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.75% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.70% below the Iowa state average of $67,199.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Liberty 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.
North Liberty, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $63,369 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,098 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,438
2025 BLS Actual
$61,637
2026 Current Est.
$63,369
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in North Liberty (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,438 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,657 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,626 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,774 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,127 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,856 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,637 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,369 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,150 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Liberty metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $52,438 (2019) to $61,637 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,150 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,712 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Liberty 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) | $45,909 – $57,691 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,691 – $63,369 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,369 – $68,763 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,763 – $75,946 |
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 North Liberty
Despite the promising median, the current local employment picture includes only six occupational therapy assistants in North Liberty, indicating a relatively small job market. The cost of living index, at 90.4, suggests that although salaries might lag slightly behind national averages, the purchasing power in this area is relatively solid. To maximize compensation, prospective occupational therapy assistants should consider seeking employment in skilled nursing facilities or outpatient clinics, as these settings tend to offer higher wages compared to school district contracts or early intervention programs. Additionally, understanding the implications of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for OTA services is vital, as it has influenced pay structures within various settings. Exploring year-round contracts and considering weekend or PRN opportunities may also enhance overall pay, addressing the existing disparities in earnings seen in North Liberty, IA.
More salary data for North Liberty, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $61,637 for occupational therapy assistantsin the North Liberty 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 North Liberty 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