Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Coralville, IA: $30.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Coralville, IA runs $30.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,914 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Coralville's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,351 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Coralville, Iowa, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $30.73 in 2026, which is lower than the national median of $35.74 per hour. This figure reflects the regional job market's dynamics and may influence those considering part-time or per-diem work. With the hourly rate, an occupational therapy assistant working three days a week could earn a steady income while accommodating other obligations, making this profession appealing in various settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, outpatient clinics, or during home health visits. The hourly wage range spans from $22.71 for entry-level positions to $37.25 for the highest earners in the field, illustrating the potential for pay progression based on experience and specific roles within the profession.
About the Coralville Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.71 | $181.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.40 | $211.21 |
| Median (P50) | $30.73 | $245.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.91 | $255.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.25 | $297.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Coralville
Based on $30.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.73/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Coralville, IA can expect to earn approximately $63,918 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,876. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Coralville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Coralville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,229.20 | $5,327 | $63,918 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $737.52 | $3,196 | $38,351 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $491.68 | $2,131 | $25,567 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Coralville) | $30.73 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Coralville, IA earn a median of $63,914 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.02% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.90% below the Iowa state average of $67,207.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.73/hr = $38,351/year (purchasing power: $42,424).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,918/year (purchasing power: $70,706).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Coralville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Coralville grew 17.5% from $25.43/hr (2019) to $29.89/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.59/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Coralville 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Coralville
Exploring part-time earning potential, a COTA working 24 hours a week would take home approximately $38,200 annually, significantly less than a full-time occupational therapy assistant's earnings but still a feasible option for many. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Coralville frequently falls within $30 to $45 per hour, contingent upon specific job contracts and types of employment, such as agency or travel positions, which can offer weekly rates between $1,100 and $1,700. Additionally, hourly wages are likely to differ depending on the employer type, with skilled nursing facilities and hospital rehab settings often paying less than outpatient clinics and home health agencies. Many COTAs may accept lower hourly rates for the benefits associated with full-time positions, while others might negotiate higher pay without benefits. Understanding these nuances is essential for negotiations in Coralville's job market, particularly in light of the challenges posed by cuts to Medicare reimbursement rates that have affected compensation across various care settings.
More salary data for Coralville, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Coralville in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Coralville?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Coralville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Coralville?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Coralville?
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Career Resources
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Coralville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Coralville 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