Salary data · Iowa
Occupational therapist salary in Iowa
Occupational therapists in Iowa earn a mean of $89,720 a year and a median of $89,910, 11.4% below the national mean of $101,280. That ranks 46th of the 51 states with a published estimate.
$89,720
Mean annual wage
about $43 an hour
$89,910
Median annual wage
46th of 51
State rank
by mean wage
1,290
OTs employed
BLS estimate
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025 estimates. These are estimates for occupational therapists already employed in Iowa, not offers; the hourly figure divides the annual mean by 2,080 hours. Setting, specialty and caseload move an individual offer well above or below them. Updated October 22, 2026.
By metro
Occupational therapist pay by metro in Iowa
| Metro | Mean | Median | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport | $94,360 | $87,390 | 170 |
| Waterloo | $92,850 | $98,240 | 80 |
| Cedar Rapids | $91,920 | $79,690 | 110 |
| Iowa City | $89,330 | $91,560 | 100 |
| Des Moines | $87,030 | $78,770 | 340 |
Source: BLS OEWS metropolitan estimates. Suppressed cells show n/a.
The market
How many occupational therapists work in Iowa
Source: NPPES monthly file, October 2026 (CMS, public domain), as of October 2026.
Licensed in another state?
Iowa has enacted the OT Compact but is not yet issuing compact privileges, so occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants licensed elsewhere still need a Iowa license for now.
How the OT Compact works →Open roles
OT openings in Iowa
Thinking about a OT move in Iowa?
Send a resume and a few lines on the setting, schedule and pay you want. A licensed clinician reads every one, and it stays confidential.