Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Sioux City, IA: $45.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Sioux City, IA runs $45.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,434 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Sioux City's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,261 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Sioux City, IA, earn a median hourly pay of $45.88, which is somewhat lower than the national hourly median of $49.71. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate allows for a reasonable income while maintaining flexibility. Per-diem roles, common in settings like hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and school therapy rooms, can yield even higher earnings, especially in specialized areas such as outpatient hand therapy or early intervention programs. The hourly pay for entry-level occupational therapists starts at around $32.53, while more experienced professionals can make up to $51.05, offering various opportunities for career advancement based on experience and specialization. This data is reflective of the trends projected for 2026, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.53 | $260.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.19 | $313.55 |
| Median (P50) | $45.88 | $367.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.92 | $407.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.05 | $408.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sioux City
Based on $45.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.88/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sioux City, IA can expect to earn approximately $95,435 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,059. With a cost-of-living index of 86.45 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sioux City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sioux City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,835.29 | $7,953 | $95,435 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,101.18 | $4,772 | $57,261 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $734.12 | $3,181 | $38,174 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Sioux City) | $45.88 |
| 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 Sioux City, IA earn a median of $95,434 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.70% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.50% above the Iowa state average of $92,206.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.88/hr = $57,261/year (purchasing power: $66,233).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,435/year (purchasing power: $110,388).
CoL index: 86.454 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+7.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Sioux City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Sioux City grew 0.8% from $44.18/hr (2019) to $44.52/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.29/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 Sioux City 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 Sioux City
When considering part-time work, a 3-day-a-week schedule translating into 24 hours can yield significantly different annual earnings compared to full-time work. While many part-time occupational therapists may balance their personal lives with professional commitments, others choose per-diem opportunities, which generally command higher pay. These therapists, particularly those with specialized CHT credentials, can earn $50 to $75 per hour depending on the employer and setting. For travel contracts, pay can soar to between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly. In Sioux City, the hourly rates vary widely based on the employer type, including skilled nursing facilities, mental health agencies, and outpatient clinics. Therapists often juggle the benefits and drawbacks of hourly pay, with some accepting lower pay for the health insurance that accompanies a more stable position. Negotiation can also play a key role in hourly contracts; demonstrating specialization or unique skills may enhance a candidate's value, allowing for a better hourly rate overall.
More salary data for Sioux City, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Sioux City in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Sioux City?
Are occupational therapists in Sioux City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Sioux City?
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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
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 Sioux City. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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