Occupational Therapist Salary in Muscatine, IA: $86,122 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Muscatine, IA earns a median $86,122/year (≈ $41.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Muscatine's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $95,268 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Muscatine, Iowa, an occupational therapist earns a projected median annual salary of $86,122 in 2026. Local salaries present a range from $68,427 at the 10th percentile to $107,381 at the 90th percentile, making the field relatively lucrative compared to some regional occupations, particularly considering the area's lower cost of living. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price trends, reflecting a local market that offers a distinctive blend of opportunities. Occupational therapists often choose between roles in inpatient rehabilitation within hospitals, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), or in educational environments, each influencing salary potential and work-life balance differently due to year-round versus school-year contracts.
About the Muscatine Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,427 | $32.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,607 | $35.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,122 | $41.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,223 | $47.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,381 | $51.62 |
Median Salary Position
16.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Muscatine
In Muscatine, IA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,954 (2026 est.). At $86,122, the local median is 16.71% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Muscatine: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Muscatine Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Muscatine median: $86,122/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Muscatine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $92,208 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -16.71% less |
Occupational Therapists in Muscatine, IA earn a median of $86,122 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.71% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 6.60% below the Iowa state average of $92,208.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Muscatine has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Muscatine, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $86,122 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $95,268 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,755
2025 BLS Actual
$83,565
2026 Current Est.
$86,122
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Muscatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,755 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,863 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,271 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,610 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,267 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,232 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,565 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,122 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,757 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Muscatine metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $70,755 (2019) to $83,565 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,757 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,002 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Muscatine 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $68,427 – $74,607 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,607 – $86,122 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,122 – $98,223 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,223 – $107,381 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Muscatine
With just five occupational therapists currently employed in Muscatine, the job market for this profession is limited yet stable, contributing to a competitive atmosphere. The area's cost of living index stands at 90.4, which fosters better purchasing power for salaries, despite being below the national average. In terms of compensation, settings such as hospital inpatient rehabilitation typically offer the highest wages, while school contracts may present more predictable hours but often lower pay. The variation in occupational therapist pay in Muscatine, IA, is influenced by factors such as board certification stipends, with specialists like Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) commanding notable premiums. Maximizing income in this market involves pursuing additional certifications, gaining experience in higher-paying facilities, and potentially negotiating hours to benefit from the financial advantages of year-round positions.
More salary data for Muscatine, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Muscatine, IA in 2026?
Is Muscatine, IA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Muscatine?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Muscatine?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Muscatine?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $83,565 for occupational therapistsin the Muscatine metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Muscatine 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