Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Burlington, IA: $66,732 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Burlington, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,732 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,819 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($88,542) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the occupational therapy field in Burlington, Iowa, the initial compensation can be a modest start with a projected P10 salary of $66,732 in 2026. This entry-level figure is significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $88,542, highlighting the gap that new practitioners may face as they begin their careers. Fortunately, there is a growth trajectory that can boost earnings over the first few years. As new therapists gain experience and potentially move toward the P25 level of $74,284, they will find that their earnings can progressively align more closely with the overall median. Given the competitive salaries expected and a projected annual growth rate of 3.06%, Burlington appears to be a favorable market for aspiring occupational therapists looking to launch their careers.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
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 Burlington
Entry-level occupational therapists in Burlington, IA typically start between $66,732 and $74,284 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,240 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $88,542 — 14.37% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Iowa of $90,000 represents just 134.87% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($66,732/year) in Burlington. 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 Master's and Doctoral occupational therapy programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institution programs; MOT programs typically run 2-3 years post-bachelor's.
OT, OTR Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $66,732 to $74,284, 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 Burlington, 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 Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapist Compensation Range
The occupational therapist wage spread in Burlington is $43,240 ( 64.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,732, experienced hygienists can earn up to $109,972.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,302
2025 BLS Actual
$64,751
2026 Current Est.
$66,732
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,302 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,781 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,807 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,191 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,898 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,198 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,751 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,732 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,774 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, IA grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,302 in 2019 to $64,751 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,774. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 3.06% 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 Burlington
Employers in Burlington are actively seeking new grads to fill various roles in the occupational therapy sector. Notable opportunities can be found within hospital systems that offer residency programs, leading to specialty certifications that enhance a therapist's marketability. School districts are also a reliable source of employment, typically offering contracts that provide summer breaks for a more favorable work-life balance. Additionally, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) often recruit aggressively, although they may impose productivity demands that can challenge new therapists. To maximize starting pay, candidates should ensure they obtain a Master's (MOT) or Doctorate (OTD) from an ACOTE-accredited program, pass the NBCOT national exam for licensure, and consider pursuing board certifications such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, which commands a premium in the field. In the competitive landscape of occupational therapy, a strategic focus on gaining experience through diverse roles and continuing education in the first three years can lead to substantial salary advancements, ultimately bringing new professionals closer to their long-term earning potential.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Burlington in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Burlington?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Burlington?
What do new occupational therapists make right out of school in Burlington?
How do I become a occupational therapist in Iowa?
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Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
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 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov