Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Council Bluffs, IA: $42.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Council Bluffs, IA runs $42.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,052 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Council Bluffs's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,428 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With an estimated occupational therapist hourly pay in Council Bluffs of $42.81 in 2026, professionals in this field earn significantly less than the national median of $49.71 per hour. This hourly rate is reflective of various work settings, including hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics, making it vital for part-time therapists and per-diem workers to evaluate their financial expectations. For those working three days a week, their income potential can fall within the range of $30.61 to $55.35 per hour, aligning with the starting wages and top earners in the city. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, highlighting the financial dynamics that occupational therapists face while pursuing fulfilling opportunities that align with their expertise.
About the Council Bluffs 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) | $30.61 | $244.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.03 | $280.24 |
| Median (P50) | $42.81 | $342.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.33 | $402.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.35 | $442.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Council Bluffs
Based on $42.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.81/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Council Bluffs, IA can expect to earn approximately $89,047 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,373. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Council Bluffs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Council Bluffs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,712.44 | $7,421 | $89,047 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,027.47 | $4,452 | $53,428 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $684.98 | $2,968 | $35,619 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Council Bluffs) | $42.81 |
| 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 Council Bluffs, IA earn a median of $89,052 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.88% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.40% below the Iowa state average of $92,186.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.81/hr = $53,428/year (purchasing power: $59,102).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,047/year (purchasing power: $98,503).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Council Bluffs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Council Bluffs grew 18.1% from $35.17/hr (2019) to $41.54/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.12/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 Council Bluffs 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 Council Bluffs
Earning on a part-time basis as an occupational therapist in Council Bluffs results in a different annual income compared to fully employed counterparts. For example, a therapist working just three days per week (totaling 24 hours) would take home around $53,000 annually, distinctly below the income of those in full-time roles. Per-diem occupational therapists often see rates between $50 and $75 per hour, while certified hand therapists (CHTs) specializing in hand therapy can command from $80 to $110 per hour, especially in cash-pay environments. Different employers, including skilled nursing facilities or school districts, can further influence earnings in the area. While some might accept lower hourly rates to include benefits such as health insurance, others may forgo these in favor of potentially higher pay. Negotiating these hourly terms effectively, emphasizing experience and credentials, can better position occupational therapists for competitive compensation within Council Bluffs.
More salary data for Council Bluffs, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Council Bluffs in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Council Bluffs?
Are occupational therapists in Council Bluffs paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Council Bluffs?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Council Bluffs?
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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 Council Bluffs. 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 Council Bluffs 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