Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Mason City, IA: $75,321 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapy assistants working in Mason City, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $75,321/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2011. Strip back Mason City's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $83,320 in average-cost America. The 18% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, experienced occupational therapy assistants in Mason City, Iowa, can expect a median annual salary of $63,618, with top earners (P90) reaching as high as $75,321. This financial potential positions Mason City's top-tier professionals significantly lower than the national average for this role, which stands at $74,332. Gaining access to these elevated earnings requires a combination of extensive experience—typically over seven years—as well as the pursuit of specialized skill sets. The substantial gap between the median and top salaries illustrates the rewards of standing out in a competitive job market through continued professional development and strategic choices, such as certifications or advanced expert roles.
About the Mason City Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mason City
Experienced occupational therapy assistants at the top of the pay scale in Mason City earn between $68,081 and $75,321 per year (2026 est.). This $28,265 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Mason City median of $63,618 sits 14.41% below the US median.
Top OTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Mason City | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $63,618 | $74,332 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,081 | $81,384 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $75,321 | $92,303 |
In Mason City, experienced occupational therapy assistants (P90) earn 18.40% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Mason City
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA occupational therapy assistants with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $63,618 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Mason City employers.
Specialty Focus
Occupational Therapy Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Mason City command premium compensation, often reaching the $68,081–$75,321 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Mason City 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 Mason City 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 Mason City
Clinical Occupational Therapy Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapy Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMason City ranks #19 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner occupational therapy assistant salary (90th percentile: $75,321).
Top 10% occupational therapy assistant compensation in Mason City ($75,321) is 8.33% below the Iowa average P90 ($82,165).
2019 BLS Actual
$67,085
2025 BLS Actual
$73,262
2026 Current Est.
$75,321
2019–2027 Growth
+15.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mason City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,085 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,619 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,453 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,835 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,813 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,382 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,262 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,321 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,437 | Projected |
Top-earning occupational therapy assistants (90th percentile) in Mason City saw their compensation grow 9.2% from $67,085 in 2019 to $73,262 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 $77,437 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mason City 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 Mason City
Equipped with the right expertise, senior occupational therapy assistants in Mason City can navigate various high-paying specialties that demand premium compensation. Areas such as pediatric care, geriatric services, mental health, and hand therapy support are notable contributors to higher income levels in this region. Pay can vary based on the type of employer, with skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers generally offering more attractive salaries than school district contracts or outpatient clinics. Advancement opportunities abound for seasoned professionals; options include roles as lead OTAs, clinic operations coordinators, regional clinical educators, and pathways towards advanced practice, including the COTA-to-MOT bridge. Additionally, senior COTAs who hold relevant credentials, including an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program and the NBCOT certification, can significantly elevate their market value. Given the financial pressures from the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for OTA-provided services, expertise in high-demand specializations and the ability to adapt to varied employment settings remains essential for achieving competitive senior occupational therapy assistant pay in IA.
More salary data for Mason City, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapy assistants make in Mason City in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapy assistant pay in Mason City?
What certifications boost occupational therapy assistant salary in Mason City?
Can experienced occupational therapy assistants make six figures in Mason City?
How much does occupational therapy assistant salary increase over time in Mason City?
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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 $73,262 for occupational therapy assistants in the Mason City 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
Salary data for Mason City 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