Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in West Des Moines, IA: $47,933 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the West Des Moines, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,933 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out West Des Moines's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,023 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,202) 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 West Des Moines is expected to start at around $47,933, which is considerably lower than the city median of $65,202. This gap illustrates the initial financial challenges that new graduates face as they begin their careers. However, there is a defined growth trajectory for entry-level positions; within the first three to five years, salaries can be expected to rise towards the $54,860 mark (P25) and even approach the median as these professionals gain experience. Given these projections, West Des Moines remains a viable market for newcomers in the field. With a growth rate of 2.81%, there are pathways for sustainable advancements in both responsibility and compensation over time.
About the West Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in West Des Moines
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 West Des Moines
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in West Des Moines, IA typically start between $47,933 and $54,860 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,924 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,202 — 12.28% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Iowa of $20,000 represents just 41.72% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($47,933/year) in West Des Moines. 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 West Des Moines
- 1Research the West Des Moines market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $47,933 to $54,860, 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 West Des Moines, 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 West Des Moines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5West Des Moines'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 West Des Moines is $32,924 ( 68.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,933, experienced hygienists can earn up to $80,857.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,786
2025 BLS Actual
$46,623
2026 Current Est.
$47,933
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in West Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,786 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,098 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,385 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,409 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,070 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,586 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,623 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,933 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,280 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in West Des Moines, IA grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,786 in 2019 to $46,623 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,280. New graduates entering the West Des Moines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines
Employers in West Des Moines that frequently hire new graduates include skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and various outpatient clinics. While SNFs typically welcome fresh graduates, outpatient practices may be more selective, often favoring those with accumulated experience, although they do provide training for new COTAs in areas such as pediatric or hand therapy support. To enhance starting pay in IA, obtaining an Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, passing the NBCOT national exam for the COTA credential, and acquiring a state OTA license are essential. Additionally, continuing education and exploring specialized training opportunities through AOTA can further increase earnings potential. Newly minted COTAs should be aware of market dynamics, especially considering the 15% cut in Medicare Part B reimbursements for OTA services that took effect in 2022, which has influenced salary structures in the sector. Realistic salary growth expectations in the first three years in this area can see new professionals transitioning from entry-level salaries toward more competitive wages as they build their skills and establish a reputation.
More salary data for West Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in West Des Moines in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in West Des Moines?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in West Des Moines?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in West Des Moines?
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 West Des Moines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for West Des Moines 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