Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Des Moines, IA: $86,134 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapy assistants working in Des Moines, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $86,134/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2011. Strip back Des Moines's price premium (BEA RPP 91.7, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $93,929 in average-cost America. The 30% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Des Moines, IA, targeting senior roles can anticipate an average annual salary of $66,055 by 2026, with the top earners (P90) potentially reaching $86,134. This range presents a noticeable gap, highlighting the significant disparity between median earnings and top-tier compensation, reinforcing the value of experience and specialized skill sets in this dynamic field. To achieve such high earnings, professionals typically need over seven years of practice and likely engage in continued education or advanced certifications that enhance their capabilities. Mastery in specific therapeutic techniques not only sets candidates apart, but it also positions them favorably to negotiate higher salaries within Iowa's competitive healthcare environment.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
Experienced occupational therapy assistants at the top of the pay scale in Des Moines earn between $78,269 and $86,134 per year (2026 est.). This $33,927 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Des Moines median of $66,055 sits 11.14% below the US median.
Top OTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Des Moines | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $66,055 | $74,332 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,269 | $81,384 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $86,134 | $92,303 |
In Des Moines, experienced occupational therapy assistants (P90) earn 30.40% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Des Moines
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA occupational therapy assistants with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $66,055 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Des Moines employers.
Specialty Focus
Occupational Therapy Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Des Moines command premium compensation, often reaching the $78,269–$86,134 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Des Moines metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced occupational therapy assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured occupational therapy assistants in Des Moines with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Des Moines
Clinical Occupational Therapy Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapy Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDes Moines ranks #2 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner occupational therapy assistant salary (90th percentile: $86,134).
Top 10% occupational therapy assistant compensation in Des Moines ($86,134) is 4.83% above the Iowa average P90 ($82,165).
2019 BLS Actual
$76,620
2025 BLS Actual
$83,780
2026 Current Est.
$86,134
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,620 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,020 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,730 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,280 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,880 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,780 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,134 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,555 | Projected |
Top-earning occupational therapy assistants (90th percentile) in Des Moines saw their compensation grow 9.3% from $76,620 in 2019 to $83,780 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.81% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $88,555 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Occupational Therapy Assistant Earnings in Des Moines
In the current job market, those pursuing advanced roles in Des Moines can find lucrative opportunities in areas like pediatric therapy, geriatrics, and mental health, where specialized skills command a premium. Compensation varies considerably based on the employing organization, with skilled nursing facilities often offering different pay scales compared to hospital inpatient rehab or outpatient clinics. Those considering leadership pathways, such as transitioning to a lead OTA role or becoming a clinical educator, may also enhance their earning potential. Pursuing additional credentials, such as the NBCOT certification or a COTA-to-MOT bridge, can further elevate professional status and influence salary expectations in 2026. Factors beyond base pay, including employment setting and contract flexibility, can shape annual earnings, especially given recent adjustments following the 15% Medicare reimbursement cuts in federally-funded settings.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapy assistants make in Des Moines in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapy assistant pay in Des Moines?
What certifications boost occupational therapy assistant salary in Des Moines?
Can experienced occupational therapy assistants make six figures in Des Moines?
How much does occupational therapy assistant salary increase over 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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $83,780 for occupational therapy assistants in the Des Moines metro area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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