Occupational Therapists Salary in Ames, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Ames, IA

Median annual salary $81,590 -17% vs national
Median hourly $39.23
10th percentile $69,560
90th percentile $114,440
Employed locally 30
National median $98,340

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Occupational Therapists
in
Ames, IA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $69,560
    25th
    $71,440
    50th (median)
    $81,590
    75th
    $106,220
    90th
    $114,440

    Ames economic context

    Unemployment rate 2.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $71,090 2023 • Census ACS
    Occupational Therapists salary vs area income 115% Median Occupational Therapists salary is 15% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Occupational Therapists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $134,720
    Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $133,850
    Vallejo, CA $129,830
    Chico, CA $128,980
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $128,960
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $126,220

    Nearby metros — Occupational Therapists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area $124,270
    North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area $123,690
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $119,920
    California $119,470
    Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area $105,430
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $105,010

    Related occupations in Ames, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Registered Nurses $72,920
    Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $48,800
    Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $63,020
    Pharmacy Technicians $40,030
    Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $52,520
    Physical Therapists $86,440

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Occupational Therapists make per hour in Ames?

    The median hourly wage for Occupational Therapists in Ames, IA is $39.23, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $48.00 or more per hour.

    Is Ames above or below average for Occupational Therapists salaries?

    The median Occupational Therapists salary in Ames, IA is 17% below the national median of $98,340. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Occupational Therapists in Ames?

    Entry-level Occupational Therapists (10th percentile) earn around $69,560 per year in Ames, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $71,440.