Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary in Des Moines, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Median annual salary $63,380 -7.3% vs national
Median hourly $30.47
10th percentile $47,010
90th percentile $82,880
Employed locally 80
National median $68,340

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Occupational Therapy Assistants
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Des Moines, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $47,010
    25th
    $60,930
    50th (median)
    $63,380
    75th
    $75,150
    90th
    $82,880

    Des Moines economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,209 2023 • Census ACS
    Occupational Therapy Assistants salary vs area income 75% Median Occupational Therapy Assistants salary is 25% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Occupational Therapy Assistants

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $96,500
    Modesto, CA $93,440
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $92,040
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $91,300
    Stockton-Lodi, CA $84,400
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $83,230

    Nearby metros — Occupational Therapy Assistants salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $83,230
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $80,700
    Visalia, CA $80,350
    California $79,420
    Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $77,160
    Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA $76,210

    Related occupations in Des Moines, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Home Health and Personal Care Aides $35,480
    Nursing Assistants $39,790
    Medical Assistants $45,700
    Dental Assistants $48,680
    Phlebotomists $39,200
    Massage Therapists $73,300

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Occupational Therapy Assistants make per hour in Des Moines?

    The median hourly wage for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Des Moines, IA is $30.47, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $40.28 or more per hour.

    Is Des Moines above or below average for Occupational Therapy Assistants salaries?

    The median Occupational Therapy Assistants salary in Des Moines, IA is 7.3% below the national median of $68,340. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Des Moines?

    Entry-level Occupational Therapy Assistants (10th percentile) earn around $47,010 per year in Des Moines, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $60,930.