Occupational Therapist Salary in West Des Moines, IA: $80,131 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in West Des Moines, IA earns a median $80,131/year (≈ $38.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in West Des Moines's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $88,640 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.1% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Des Moines, Iowa, the median annual salary for occupational therapists is projected to reach $80,131 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $103,400. Salaries for occupational therapists in the region range from $59,099 to $105,251, reflecting the diversity in experience and workplace settings. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price variations. As local healthcare continues to evolve, those with specialized credentials, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), may find lucrative opportunities that enhance their earning potential, highlighting the competitive nature of the job market in West Des Moines for skilled rehabilitation professionals.
About the West Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,099 | $28.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,926 | $31.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,131 | $38.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,701 | $45.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,251 | $50.60 |
Median Salary Position
22.5% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Des Moines
In West Des Moines, IA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,152 (2026 est.). At $80,131, the local median is 22.5% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in West Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How West Des Moines Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
West Des Moines median: $80,131/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $92,211 | -13.10% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -22.50% less |
Occupational Therapists in West Des Moines, IA earn a median of $80,131 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.50% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 13.10% below the Iowa state average of $92,211.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West Des Moines 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.
West Des Moines, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $80,131 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $88,640 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,833
2025 BLS Actual
$77,752
2026 Current Est.
$80,131
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in West Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,833 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,864 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,314 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,211 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,683 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,439 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,752 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,131 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,583 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Des Moines metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $65,833 (2019) to $77,752 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,583 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,750 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $59,099 – $64,926 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,926 – $80,131 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,131 – $93,701 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,701 – $105,251 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in West Des Moines
While there are currently 16 occupational therapists working in West Des Moines, the cost of living index stands at 90.4, indicating that the local economy presents favorable purchasing power compared to national averages. Employers that typically offer higher pay in this area include hospital inpatient rehab facilities and skilled nursing facilities, which often pay more than school district contracts or outpatient settings. Factors influencing the salary spread include the setting of employment, board certifications like CHT, and variations in productivity expectations across different environments. For occupational therapists aiming to maximize their compensation, pursuing specialized certifications and negotiating contracts with consideration for year-round versus school-year schedules can be effective strategies tailored specifically for the West Des Moines market.
More salary data for West Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in West Des Moines, IA in 2026?
Is West Des Moines, IA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in West Des Moines?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in West Des Moines?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in West Des Moines?
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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
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 $77,752 for occupational therapistsin the West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines 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