Occupational Therapy Assistant in Iowa: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Iowa employs 400 occupational therapy assistants, with a statewide median of $64,140 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Iowa licensing picture, and where to train.
What Occupational therapy assistants Earn in Iowa (May 2025)
- Iowa median pay
- $64,140 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $47,670
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $74,660
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $79,800
- Employed in Iowa
- 400
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $68,340 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for occupational therapy assistants in major Iowa markets:
- Omaha
- $65,930 (80 employed)
- Des Moines
- $64,250 (80 employed)
- Waterloo
- $61,560 (40 employed)
- Davenport
- $61,510 (60 employed)
- Cedar Rapids
- $52,560 (50 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Iowa
Prices in Iowa run about 12% below the national average (cost-of-living index 87.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $64,140 median stretches to roughly $73,052 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Iowa (2024–2034)
Iowa is projected to grow occupational therapy assistants employment +28.3%, faster than the +19.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 60 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Iowa License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) — regulated by the Iowa Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy (DIAL).
- Earn an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree.
- Pass the NBCOT certification exam to become a COTA.
- Apply to the Iowa Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy.
Official requirements: Iowa Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy (DIAL) →
Training in Iowa
Strong demand in rehab, pediatrics, and senior care. Confirm ACOTE accreditation and fieldwork placements.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Iowa include:
- Hawkeye Community College — Associate
- Indian Hills Community College — Associate
- Iowa Central Community College — Associate
- Iowa Lakes Community College — Associate
Where Occupational therapy assistants Work in Iowa
Real Iowa outpatient rehab clinics that employ occupational therapy assistants include:
- 21st Century Rehabilitation PC — Altoona
- Genesis Physical & Occupational Rehab Service — Ankeny
- Advanced Rehab & Sports Medicine — Bettendorf
- Pure Rehabilitation, LLC — Clarinda
- Comprehensive Rehab Inc — Clinton
- On With Life, Outpatient Neuro Rehabilitation — Coralville
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: Patient, practical people who enjoy helping others rebuild daily-life skills.
Think twice if: You want independent desk work or dislike clinical documentation.
Why it's resilient: Occupational therapy support blends hands-on care, adaptation, human context, and patient motivation.
First Steps
Find ACOTE-accredited OTA programs and review fieldwork requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Iowa?
The median wage for occupational therapy assistants in Iowa is $64,140 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $47,670, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $79,800. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Iowa?
Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), overseen by the Iowa Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy (DIAL). Earn an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree.
Is being an Occupational Therapy Assistant a good career in Iowa?
Occupational therapy support blends hands-on care, adaptation, human context, and patient motivation.
Which Iowa metros pay occupational therapy assistants the most?
Among Iowa metro areas, Omaha leads at $65,930, followed by Des Moines ($64,250), Waterloo ($61,560). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Iowa?
Real Iowa options include Hawkeye Community College, Indian Hills Community College, Iowa Central Community College. Most occupational therapy assistants start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Occupational Therapy Assistant a growing career in Iowa?
Iowa projects occupational therapy assistants employment to change +28.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 60 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Iowa statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2011. Licensing summary compiled from the Iowa Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy (DIAL) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Iowa wages · Iowa licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.