Occupational Therapist Salary in Iowa
Based on 1K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$89,910
$43.23/hr
vs National Average
$98,754
-9.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$65K – $109K
1K employed in Iowa
Occupational Therapist salary in Iowa averages $89,910 annually, reflecting a competitive but modest market for this healthcare profession. The state currently employs approximately 1,290 occupational therapists across various settings. However, Iowa's median salary runs about 9% below the national average, which may influence professionals considering relocation or career decisions in the state.
Several factors shape occupational therapist compensation throughout Iowa, including employer type, years of experience, and geographic location within the state. Healthcare settings such as hospitals and rehabilitation facilities typically offer different pay scales than private practices or educational institutions. Additionally, specialization in areas like pediatrics or neurological conditions can impact earning potential, as can continuing education and professional certifications that enhance a therapist's qualifications.
Salary Distribution — Occupational Therapist in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $64,610 |
| 25th percentile | $75,810 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $89,910 |
| 75th percentile | $103,100 |
| 90th percentile | $109,200 |
Top-Paying Industries for Occupational Therapist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Occupational Therapists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Occupational Therapists in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $105,560 | 3K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $101,950 | 200 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $101,410 | 570 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $101,080 | 133K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $100,120 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Occupational Therapist in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $80,960 |
| 2023 | $83,260 |
| 2024 | $88,780 |
| 2025 | $89,910 |
| 2026 (projected) | $91,054 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $80,960 | $88,771 |
| 2023 | $83,260 | $93,040 |
| 2024 | $88,780 | $95,329 |
| 2025 | $89,910 | $98,754 |
| 2026 (projected) | $91,054 | $100,011 |
Occupational Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $75,810 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $89,910 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $103,100 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $109,200 |
Occupational Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Occupational Therapist Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Occupational Therapist ($89,910 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Occupational Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in IA | $429,050 | +377.2% | $206.27/hr |
| Radiologist in IA | $405,220 | +350.7% | $194.82/hr |
| Surgeon in IA | $370,390 | +312.0% | $178.07/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IA | $356,020 | +296.0% | $171.16/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IA | $295,270 | +228.4% | $141.96/hr |
| Cardiologist in IA | $283,070 | +214.8% | $136.09/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IA | $273,070 | +203.7% | $131.28/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IA | $265,200 | +195.0% | $127.50/hr |
| Pediatrician in IA | $262,440 | +191.9% | $126.17/hr |
| Dentist in IA | $181,520 | +101.9% | $87.27/hr |
| Pharmacist in IA | $138,860 | +54.4% | $66.76/hr |
| Podiatrist in IA | $134,830 | +50.0% | $64.82/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Iowa?
- The median salary for occupational therapists in Iowa is $89,910 per year, which translates to approximately $43 per hour. This is about 9% lower than the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for occupational therapists in Iowa?
- Occupational therapist salaries in Iowa range from $64,610 at the lower end to $109,200 at the higher end, with the median falling at $89,910 annually.
Is the occupational therapist salary in Iowa competitive compared to the national average?
- Iowa's occupational therapist median salary of $89,910 is 9% below the national average, making it a less competitive market compared to other states for this profession.
How many occupational therapists are employed in Iowa?
- There are currently 1,290 occupational therapists employed in Iowa, representing the job market size for this profession in the state.