Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Occupational Therapy Assistants in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area earn a median of $61,560 a year ($29.60 an hour), based on BLS data for 40 workers.
Pay ranges from $47,670 for the lowest-paid 10% to $74,320 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $72,300. Pay here is 4% lower than the Iowa statewide median of $64,140. There are 0.43 occupational therapy assistants per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $62,040, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for occupational therapy assistants in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $47,670 | $22.92 |
| 25th percentile | $56,860 | $27.34 |
| Median | $61,560 | $29.60 |
| 75th percentile | $65,930 | $31.70 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $74,320 | $35.73 |
| Average (mean) | $62,040 | $29.83 |
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 | $5,130 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,565 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,367.69 |
| Weekly | $1,183.85 |
| Hourly | $29.60 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $61,560 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 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $64,250 | 80 |
| 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 Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $62,850 | $30.22 |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,930 | $18.72 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $36,510 | $17.55 |
| Medical Assistant | $45,660 | $21.95 |
| Dental Assistant | $47,970 | $23.06 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $36,240 | $17.42 |
| Phlebotomist | $36,970 | $17.77 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $31,850 | $15.31 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $39,530 | $19.01 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, 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 Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median salary for occupational therapy assistants in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area is $61,560 a year, or $29.60 an hour. Pay ranges from $47,670 for the lowest-paid 10% to $74,320 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid occupational therapy assistants make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The top 10% of occupational therapy assistants in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area earn at least $74,320 a year. The top 25% earn $65,930 or more.
What is the starting pay for occupational therapy assistants in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $47,670 a year, and a quarter of occupational therapy assistants earn $56,860 or less.
How many occupational therapy assistants work in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
About 40 occupational therapy assistants are employed in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.