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Occupational Therapy Assistant Licensing in Iowa

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for occupational therapy assistant in Iowa, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Occupational Therapy Assistant in Iowa

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Certification: Certification required.

  5. 5

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $61,980 median (9% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #37 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing~Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Iowa

With a median salary of $61,980, Occupational Therapy Assistants in Iowa earn 9% below the national median of $68,340. Iowa ranks #37 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,154

Median annual salary

$61,980

Hourly estimate

$29.80
9% below national median

Difference: -$6,360

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$50,010
  • P2525th percentile$58,100
  • P50Median$61,980
  • P7575th percentile$73,300
  • P9090th percentile$78,600

State vs National Median

State: $61,980
National: $68,340

Total employment: 370 | Annual openings: N/A

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Ranking

#37 of 50 statesfor Occupational Therapy Assistant median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$79,420
#2Texas$77,910
#3Arkansas$77,340
#4Maryland$77,330
#5Nevada$76,450

Nearby States Comparison

Occupational Therapy Assistant licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Iowa$61,980Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$60,570Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wisconsin$58,400Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$63,710Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$62,830Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$60,900Varies by state boardState-approved exam19 years
South Dakota$51,820Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Iowa50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Illinois50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Missouri50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy

6200 Park Avenue Des Moines, IA 50321, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA, 50319-0075

Phone: 5152810254

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Iowa?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Iowa?

Iowa lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Occupational Therapy Assistants.

What education do you need to become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Iowa?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure in Iowa.

What is the typical Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in Iowa?

The median annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Iowa is $61,980. Salaries range from $50,010 (10th percentile) to $78,600 (90th percentile).

How does the Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in Iowa compare to the national average?

Occupational Therapy Assistants in Iowa earn 9% below the national median of $68,340, with a state median of $61,980.

How many Occupational Therapy Assistants work in Iowa?

Iowa employs approximately 370 Occupational Therapy Assistants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Occupational Therapy Assistant license to Iowa from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Iowa?

The licensing agency is Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing / Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy. Review agency details at https://dial.iowa.gov/about/boards/physical-occupational-therapy.

How often do you renew a Occupational Therapy Assistant license in Iowa?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.