Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Mason City, IA: $47,056 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Mason City, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,056 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Mason City's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,053 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,618) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level occupational therapy assistant salary in Mason City, Iowa, is estimated to be around $47,056, which sets the foundation for new graduates entering the field. This figure is notably lower than the city's median salary of $63,618, presenting a gap that highlights the earnings potential as individuals progress in their careers. With a growth trajectory ranging from $47,056 to approximately $54,907 within the first few years, new COTAs can expect their pay to increase significantly as they gain experience and further credentials. The market conditions in Mason City are favorable for entry-level positions, providing ample opportunities for recent graduates to begin their careers and advance their professional development in a supportive environment.
About the Mason City Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Mason City
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mason City
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Mason City, IA typically start between $47,056 and $54,907 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,265 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,618 — 14.41% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Iowa of $20,000 represents just 42.50% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($47,056/year) in Mason City. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school settings.
OTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Mason City
- 1Research the Mason City market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $47,056 to $54,907, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Mason City, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Mason City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Mason City's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Compensation Range
The occupational therapy assistant wage spread in Mason City is $28,265 ( 60.07%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,056, experienced hygienists can earn up to $75,321.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,094
2025 BLS Actual
$45,770
2026 Current Est.
$47,056
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mason City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,094 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,383 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,610 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,614 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,263 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,570 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,770 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,056 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,378 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Mason City, IA grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,094 in 2019 to $45,770 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,378. New graduates entering the Mason City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mason City metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Mason City
In Mason City, various employers actively seek new graduates in the occupational therapy assistant field. Skilled nursing facilities tend to hire the majority of entry-level COTAs, often providing comprehensive training to new hires. School districts also present a viable option, as they offer summer breaks, appealing to new graduates seeking a balanced work-life schedule. Outpatient clinics typically favor experienced COTAs but are willing to train new graduates in specialized areas such as pediatric and hand therapy. To enhance their starting pay in IA, aspiring COTAs should ensure they have graduated from an ACOTE-accredited program, passed the NBCOT national exam, and obtained a state license. In the initial years of practice, new COTAs should anticipate modest salary growth while remaining adaptable to changes in reimbursement structures, especially given the 15% Medicare Part B cut for occupational therapy assistant services that has influenced pay rates. A strategic approach during these early career years may include seeking supervised hours under experienced OTs to build a track record in diverse environments and improve competitiveness in a dynamic job market.
More salary data for Mason City, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Mason City in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Mason City?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Mason City?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Mason City?
How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in Iowa?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Mason City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mason City is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
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