Average Occupational Therapists Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Occupational Therapists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, earn an average annual salary of $94,860. This figure is slightly below the national average of $99,240, a common occurrence in metropolitan areas that balance competitive wages with other economic factors. Local market demand and the specific healthcare landscape within the region play a significant role in shaping this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $94,860 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $117,790.
- Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines occupational therapy job market is moderately sized, with a total local workforce of 320 professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.81 suggests a slightly lower concentration of OTs compared to the national average, indicating a stable but not overly saturated demand for these specialized healthcare providers.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-4.4%below the national average.
$45.6
$1,824
$7,905
Occupational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that the demand for occupational therapists has seen consistent growth over the past four years, driven by an aging population and increased awareness of rehabilitation services. This trend likely translates to a steady, albeit moderate, increase in average salaries within the Des Moines-West Des Moines area, mirroring national patterns.
Occupational Therapists Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Career progression for Occupational Therapists in Des Moines-West Des Moines typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while senior therapists with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the financial rewards of career advancement and accumulated expertise in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $75,050 | $36.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $71,145 | $34.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $97,190 | $46.7 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $118,575 | $57 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $117,790 | $56.6 |
Detailed Occupational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$94,860
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$94,860
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $94,860 in Des Moines-West Des Moines aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an OT's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial footing for residents.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
0.8
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.81x the national average concentration of Occupational Therapists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.81, the Des Moines-West Des Moines market for Occupational Therapists is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, there may be opportunities for new professionals to enter the field without facing extreme competition, and employers may actively seek qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Occupational Therapists Salary | $87,890↓ 7% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $92,400↓ 3% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $90,790↓ 4% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $90,390↓ 5% | 37 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $93,820↓ 1% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapists make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $94,860. This typically ranges from $75,050 for entry-level positions to $117,790 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 4.4% lower than the national median of $99,240.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Occupational Therapists?
Yes, with a caveat.The average salary of $94,860 is competitive, especially considering the national average cost of living. While slightly below the national average salary, the stable job market and cost of living make it a financially sound location.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Occupational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($87,890) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines OT salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Occupational Therapists in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $94,860, which is slightly lower than the national average of $99,240.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines for OTs?
The cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines is exactly at the national average, indexed at 100, meaning your salary has average purchasing power.
How concentrated is the OT job market in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
The job market has a Location Quotient of 0.81, indicating it is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a balanced demand.
How many Occupational Therapists work in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
There are approximately 320 Occupational Therapists employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 0.8 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Occupational Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA