Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Clinton, IA: $41.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Clinton, IA runs $41.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,531 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Clinton's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,923 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Clinton, Iowa, occupational therapists are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $41.61 in 2026, which falls short of the national median of $49.71. This difference reflects the economic dynamics of the region and influences various employment models in the field. For part-time professionals working three days a week, the hourly rate can provide a steady income, especially in settings such as rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. Those entering the profession might find themselves earning around $32.14 per hour, while top earners could reach up to $52.34, making it a field with significant earning potential depending on experience and specialization. This hourly structure provides a clear understanding of what both full-time and part-time occupational therapists can expect for their services in Clinton.
About the Clinton Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.14 | $257.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.34 | $282.71 |
| Median (P50) | $41.61 | $332.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.64 | $381.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.34 | $418.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clinton
Based on $41.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.61/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clinton, IA can expect to earn approximately $86,539 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,926. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Clinton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clinton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,664.21 | $7,212 | $86,539 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $998.53 | $4,327 | $51,923 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $665.69 | $2,885 | $34,616 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Clinton) | $41.61 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Clinton, IA earn a median of $86,531 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.31% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 6.20% below the Iowa state average of $92,251.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.61/hr = $51,923/year (purchasing power: $57,437).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,539/year (purchasing power: $95,729).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Clinton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Clinton grew 18.1% from $34.18/hr (2019) to $40.37/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.88/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clinton 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapist in Clinton
When considering part-time opportunities, a therapist working 24 hours per week could take home about $52,139 annually, which is notably less than their full-time counterparts. For per-diem occupational therapists, engaging with acute care facilities or private practices can yield higher hourly wages typically ranging from $50 to $75. Those with a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential can significantly boost their earnings, billing between $80 and $110 per hour, especially in cash-pay practices; travel contracts may offer even more robust pay in the range of $1,800 to $2,800 per week. In Clinton, hourly earnings can vary widely depending on the type of employer, from educational institutions to mental health facilities. This discrepancy can lead some occupational therapists to weigh the benefits of full-time positions, which often include health insurance, against the allure of higher hourly pay without benefits. While negotiating hourly rates, potential hires should consider discussing not just salary but also benefits that may impact the overall value of the compensation package.
More salary data for Clinton, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Clinton in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Clinton?
Are occupational therapists in Clinton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Clinton?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Clinton?
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Career Resources
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
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 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Clinton. 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 Clinton 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