Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Des Moines, WA: $79,094 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Des Moines, WA earns a median $79,094/year (≈ $38.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Des Moines's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $73,644 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) in Des Moines, WA, can expect a median annual salary of $79,094 in 2026, which reflects a competitive advantage of 6.41% over the national median of $74,332. The local salary range spans from $57,564 at the 10th percentile to $95,731 at the 90th percentile. These projections, based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, highlight the financial potential of the profession in Des Moines. Those considering the COTA-to-MOT bridge pathway can significantly enhance their lifetime earnings, as advanced degrees often lead to higher positions and responsibilities within occupational therapy.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,564 | $27.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,817 | $32.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,094 | $38.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,914 | $41.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,731 | $46.03 |
Median Salary Position
6.41% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
In Des Moines, WA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,167 (2026 est.). At $79,094, the local median is 6.41% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Des Moines: You'd be above the median
How Des Moines Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Des Moines median: $79,094/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $79,812 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +6.41% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Des Moines, WA earn a median of $79,094 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.41% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $79,812.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Moines has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Moines, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,094 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,644 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,451
2025 BLS Actual
$76,932
2026 Current Est.
$79,094
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,451 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,972 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,685 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,366 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,303 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,613 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,932 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,094 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,316 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Moines metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $65,451 (2019) to $76,932 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,316 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,865 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $57,564 – $67,817 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,817 – $79,094 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,094 – $85,914 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,914 – $95,731 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Des Moines
In Des Moines, there are currently seven occupational therapy assistants employed, which suggests a modest but stable job market for those entering the field. The cost of living index in the area stands at 107.4, indicating that while salaries are favorable, the purchasing power may be somewhat lessened due to elevated living expenses. Among the settings where OTAs might work, skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics often provide the highest compensation, especially when factoring in weekend or PRN pay incentives. However, the disparity in wages can be influenced by varying expectations across settings, particularly as recent Medicare reimbursement cuts have impacted services in skilled nursing and outpatient environments. To maximize pay potential in Des Moines, OTAs might focus on gaining experience in higher-paying facilities or seek to expand their qualifications through continuing education and certification opportunities, enhancing their marketability.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Des Moines?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $76,932 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Des Moines metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for 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