Senior Occupational Therapist Salary in Des Moines, WA: $137,421 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapists working in Des Moines, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $137,421/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1122. Strip back Des Moines's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $127,953 in average-cost America. The 28% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, skilled occupational therapists in Des Moines, Washington, can anticipate a median annual salary of $107,233, with potential top earners reaching impressive figures. Those at the 90th percentile can command up to $137,421, creating a significant gap from the median salary that highlights the earning potential for seasoned professionals. As the demand for occupational therapy services grows, especially in specialized areas, professionals with over seven years of experience in the field can strategically position themselves to maximize their compensation. To achieve this top-tier pay in Des Moines, expertise in high-demand specialties and a commitment to ongoing professional development are essential.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
Experienced occupational therapists at the top of the pay scale in Des Moines earn between $123,659 and $137,421 per year (2026 est.). This $59,115 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Des Moines median of $107,233 sits 3.71% above the US median.
Top OT, OTR Salary Comparison
| Level | Des Moines | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $107,233 | $103,400 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,659 | $120,240 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $137,421 | $135,988 |
In Des Moines, experienced occupational therapists (P90) earn 28.15% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Occupational Therapist Pay in Des Moines
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA occupational therapists with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $107,233 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Des Moines employers.
Specialty Focus
Occupational Therapists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Des Moines command premium compensation, often reaching the $123,659–$137,421 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Des Moines metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced occupational therapists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured occupational therapists in Des Moines with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Occupational Therapists in Washington who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Occupational Therapist Career & Wage Growth Path in Des Moines
Clinical Occupational Therapist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapist
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDes Moines ranks #25 of 50 Washington cities for top earner occupational therapist salary (90th percentile: $137,421).
Top 10% occupational therapist compensation in Des Moines ($137,421) is 1.56% below the Washington average P90 ($139,594).
2019 BLS Actual
$122,771
2025 BLS Actual
$133,341
2026 Current Est.
$137,421
2019–2027 Growth
+15.4%
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 | $122,771 | Actual |
| 2020 | $123,963 | Actual |
| 2021 | $125,146 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,176 | Actual |
| 2023 | $130,986 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,148 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,341 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,421 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,626 | Projected |
Top-earning occupational therapists (90th percentile) in Des Moines saw their compensation grow 8.6% from $122,771 in 2019 to $133,341 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.06% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $141,626 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Occupational Therapist Earnings in Des Moines
Compensation for senior occupational therapists can vary significantly based on specialization and employer type. For instance, therapists specializing in hand therapy (CHT), pediatrics (BCP), and gerontology (BCG) often command higher salaries. Different work settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital inpatient rehab units, and outpatient clinics, may also offer diverse pay structures influenced by budging constraints and productivity expectations. Leadership roles, such as a rehab director or clinic owner, can provide pathways to higher compensation alongside advanced credentials, including a Master's (MOT) or Doctorate (OTD) from ACOTE-accredited programs. Certifications from the NBCOT and optional board designations like CHT can further elevate earnings. Additionally, the variability of compensation in educational settings compared to clinical environments reflects how factors such as contract terms and the influence of Medicare cuts might shape pay dynamics for experienced occupational therapists in Washington.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapists make in Des Moines in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapist pay in Des Moines?
What certifications boost occupational therapist salary in Des Moines?
Can experienced occupational therapists make six figures in Des Moines?
How much does occupational therapist salary increase over time 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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $133,341 for occupational therapists in the Des Moines metro area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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