Average Occupational Therapists Salary in Iowa City, IA
The average salary for Occupational Therapistss in Iowa City, IA is $86,520. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Iowa City, IA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $86,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $111,630.
- Outlook: The current demand for Occupational Therapistss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 80 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Iowa City, IA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapists in Iowa City, IA earns-12.8%below the national average.
$41.6
$1,664
$7,210
Occupational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Occupational Therapists salaries in Iowa City, IA have shown healthy growth of 18.2%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Occupational Therapists Salary Distribution in Iowa City, IA
The earning potential for Occupational Therapistss in Iowa City, IA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $64,030, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $111,630.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $64,030 | $30.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $64,890 | $31.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $80,810 | $38.9 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $108,150 | $52 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $111,630 | $53.7 |
Detailed Occupational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$86,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$86,520
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Iowa City, IA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $86,520 to $86,520.
Job Market Context
80
Total Jobs
0.858
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Iowa City, IA has 0.87x 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.
80 people work as Occupational Therapists in Iowa City, IA.
Only 0.858 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Occupational Therapists roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Occupational Therapists Salary | $87,260↑ 1% | 23 mi |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Occupational Therapists Salary | $88,720↑ 3% | 48 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Occupational Therapists Salary | $90,080↑ 4% | 72 mi |
| Dubuque, IA Occupational Therapists Salary | $89,430↑ 3% | 72 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $92,400↑ 7% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Iowa City, IA
Hiring Occupational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapists make in Iowa City, IA?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapists in Iowa City, IA is $86,520. This typically ranges from $64,030 for entry-level positions to $111,630 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Iowa City, IA is 12.8% lower than the national median of $99,240.
Is Iowa City, IA a good place for Occupational Therapistss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Occupational Therapists salary in Iowa City, IA is $86,520 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Iowa City, IA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Iowa City, IA a good place to live for Occupational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Iowa City, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa City, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($87,260) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 80 employees in the Iowa City, IA area with a job density of 0.858 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 Iowa City, IA