Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Des Moines, IA: $66,587 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Des Moines, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,587 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Moines's local price level (BEA RPP 91.7 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,613 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($81,180) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Recent graduates considering a career as an occupational therapist in Des Moines, Iowa can expect a starting salary around $66,587, which is considerably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $81,180. This indicates a gap that new grads will need to navigate as they enter the workforce. Over the first three to five years, there is potential for gradual salary advancement, with early-career professionals moving towards the first quartile rate of $76,893 before reaching the median. As the local job market for occupational therapy is generally favorable, with a growth rate projected at 3.06% annually, those entering the field can find opportunities for development, making Des Moines an attractive market for newcomers seeking to build their careers in occupational therapy.
Career Earnings Timeline in 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 Des Moines
Entry-level occupational therapists in Des Moines, IA typically start between $66,587 and $76,893 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,511 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $81,180 — 21.49% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Iowa of $90,000 represents just 135.16% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($66,587/year) in 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 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 Des Moines
- 1Research the Des Moines market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $66,587 to $76,893, 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 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 Des Moines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Moines'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 Des Moines is $45,511 ( 68.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,587, experienced hygienists can earn up to $112,098.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,170
2025 BLS Actual
$64,610
2026 Current Est.
$66,587
2019–2027 Growth
+6.9%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,170 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,470 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,130 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,360 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,050 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,610 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,587 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,625 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Des Moines, IA grew 0.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,170 in 2019 to $64,610 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,625. New graduates entering the Des Moines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
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 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 Des Moines
Several employers in Des Moines actively recruit new graduates entering the occupational therapy field, including hospital systems that offer residency programs aimed at granting specialty certifications. School districts often employ new therapists with contracts that allow for summer breaks, which can be appealing for work-life balance. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are also known to hire aggressively, though these positions may come with productivity pressures. To enhance starting pay, it’s essential for new grads to hold a master's or doctoral degree from an ACOTE-accredited program and pass the NBCOT national exam to acquire their state license. While optional board certifications like the CHT can command higher salaries, focusing on building strong skills and experience during the first 1-3 years is crucial. Given the industry’s trajectory and the upcoming shift to entry-level OTD by 2027, new occupational therapists in Des Moines have solid foundations to achieve after a few years in various practice settings.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Des Moines in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Des Moines?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Des Moines?
What do new occupational therapists make right out of school in Des Moines?
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 Des Moines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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