Occupational Therapist Salary in Des Moines, WA: $107,233 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Des Moines, WA earns a median $107,233/year (≈ $51.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Des Moines's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $99,845 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the wake of recent Medicare cuts affecting skilled nursing facilities and outpatient care, occupational therapy salaries in Des Moines, WA, exhibit a median projected salary of $107,233 for 2026. This figure reveals an upward trend compared to the national median of $103,400, indicating a local compensation advantage. The salary spectrum ranges from $78,306 at the 10th percentile to $137,421 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the variability in roles and qualifications among local practitioners. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic factors, showcase the resilience of the job market in Des Moines, despite the broader financial dynamics impacting healthcare services.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,306 | $37.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,552 | $42.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $107,233 | $51.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $123,659 | $59.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $137,421 | $66.07 |
Median Salary Position
3.71% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
In Des Moines, WA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,115 (2026 est.). At $107,233, the local median is 3.71% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Des Moines Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Des Moines median: $107,233/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $108,207 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +3.71% more |
Occupational Therapists in Des Moines, WA earn a median of $107,233 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.71% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $108,207.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Moines has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Moines, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $107,233 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,845 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$88,099
2025 BLS Actual
$104,049
2026 Current Est.
$107,233
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,099 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,478 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,742 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,634 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,942 | Actual |
| 2024 | $104,279 | Actual |
| 2025 | $104,049 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $107,233 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,514 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Moines metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $88,099 (2019) to $104,049 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $110,514 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,415 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the 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) | $78,306 – $88,552 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,552 – $107,233 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $107,233 – $123,659 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $123,659 – $137,421 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Des Moines
The job market for occupational therapists in Des Moines currently employs only seven professionals, indicating a selective but potentially lucrative opportunity for those entering the field. With a cost of living index at 107.4, it’s essential for therapists to consider their take-home pay relative to local expenses. The highest-paying positions tend to be found in hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings, which generally offer superior compensation compared to skilled nursing facilities or school contracts. Variations in salary can also be attributed to specific certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), which can command additional pay, and the distinctions in work settings, where hospitals often have higher productivity expectations. To optimize their earnings, occupational therapists entering this market should actively pursue relevant credentials and consider multiple employment opportunities, including year-round contracts or specialized care programs that may enhance their overall compensation.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Des Moines, WA in 2026?
Is Des Moines, WA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Des Moines?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Des Moines?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in 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 $104,049 for occupational therapistsin the 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 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