Clinton vs Des Moines: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Clinton, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Clinton, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,055 | $66,055▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.32 | $31.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,558 | $52,207▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,595 | $60,658▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $68,059 | $78,269▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,982 | $86,134▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Clinton.
The salary gap between Clinton and Des Moines is $3,000 (4.76%). Des Moines's median is -11.14% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clinton spans $26,424,Des Moines spans $33,927. Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Des Moines ($72,033 effective) pays 3.27% more than Clinton ($69,751 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Clinton if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,055/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,134)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,033)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Clinton grew 16.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.5% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Clinton, IA
$52,595 (2024) → $61,332 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$56,590 (2019) → $64,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Clinton, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Clinton or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Clinton and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Clinton to Des Moines as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Clinton vs Des Moines?
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov