Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Occupational Therapy Assistants in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn a median of $64,250 a year ($30.89 an hour), based on BLS data for 80 workers.
Pay ranges from $50,780 for the lowest-paid 10% to $83,780 for the top 10%. That is 11% lower than the national median of $72,300. Pay here is about the same as the Iowa statewide median of $64,140. There are 0.21 occupational therapy assistants per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.63). The average (mean) salary is $66,830, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for occupational therapy assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $50,780 | $24.41 |
| 25th percentile | $59,000 | $28.36 |
| Median | $64,250 | $30.89 |
| 75th percentile | $76,130 | $36.60 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $83,780 | $40.28 |
| Average (mean) | $66,830 | $32.13 |
Half of occupational therapy assistants earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,354.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,677.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,471.15 |
| Weekly | $1,235.58 |
| Hourly | $30.89 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $64,250 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA | $65,930 | 80 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $61,560 | 40 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $61,510 | 60 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $52,560 | 50 |
Highest-paying states for occupational therapy assistants
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Maryland | $82,010 |
| California | $81,770 |
| Texas | $81,500 |
| Nevada | $79,510 |
| Arkansas | $78,940 |
| Delaware | $78,640 |
| Washington | $77,590 |
| New Mexico | $77,020 |
| Oregon | $76,850 |
| Georgia | $75,920 |
See Occupational Therapy Assistant pay in every state or the Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $61,360 | $29.50 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $29,120 | $14.00 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $36,350 | $17.48 |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,940 | $21.13 |
| Medical Assistant | $46,920 | $22.56 |
| Dental Assistant | $50,020 | $24.05 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $35,120 | $16.89 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $37,560 | $18.06 |
| Phlebotomist | $38,490 | $18.51 |
| Massage Therapist | $76,090 | $36.58 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $46,310 | $22.26 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $45,020 | $21.64 |
| Orderly | $37,090 | $17.83 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-2011. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median salary for occupational therapy assistants in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $64,250 a year, or $30.89 an hour. Pay ranges from $50,780 for the lowest-paid 10% to $83,780 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid occupational therapy assistants make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The top 10% of occupational therapy assistants in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn at least $83,780 a year. The top 25% earn $76,130 or more.
What is the starting pay for occupational therapy assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $50,780 a year, and a quarter of occupational therapy assistants earn $59,000 or less.
How many occupational therapy assistants work in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
About 80 occupational therapy assistants are employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.