Occupation Therapy Assistant Salary Information
How Much do Occupation Therapy Assistant Make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for occupational therapy assistants was $62,940 as of May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $43,740, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $89,340.
The salary for occupational therapy assistants may vary depending on a variety of factors, including the industry in which they work, the region in which they are employed, and their level of experience and education.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Information by State
| State | # Currently Employed | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage | Compared to National Rate |
| Alabama Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 520 | $29.69 | $61,760 | – 0.19% |
| Alaska Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 84 | $30.50 | $63,440 | 2.52% |
| Arizona Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 940 | $30.36 | $63,150 | 2.05% |
| Arkansas Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 320 | $29.80 | $61,990 | 0.18% |
| California Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 2,640 | $33.73 | $70,150 | 13.36% |
| Colarado Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 660 | $27.88 | $57,630 | – 6.87% |
| Connecticut Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 840 | $32.06 | $66,680 | 7.76% |
| Delaware Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | ** | $30.03 | $62,450 | 0.92% |
| Florida Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 3,050 | $31.59 | $65,710 | 6.19% |
| Georgia Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 1,100 | $30.22 | $62,850 | 1.57% |
| Hawaii Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 50 | $29.25 | $60,840 | – 1.68% |
| Idaho Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 180 | $25.58 | $53,200 | – 14.03% |
| Illinois Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 2,240 | $30.62 | $63,700 | 2.94% |
| Indiana Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 1,350 | $26.10 | $54,290 | – 12.27% |
| Iowa Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 350 | $26.47 | $55,060 | – 11.02% |
| Kansas Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 680 | $28.95 | $60,220 | – 2.68% |
| Kentucky Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 490 | $29.09 | $60,510 | – 2.21% |
| Louisiana Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 700 | $30.21 | $62,840 | 1.55% |
| Maine Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 200 | $25.62 | $53,280 | – 13.9% |
| Maryland Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 700 | $30.68 | $63,810 | 3.12% |
| Massachusetts Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 1,260 | $30.36 | $63,160 | 2.07% |
| Michigan Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 1,230 | $25.50 | $53,040 | – 14.29% |
| Minnesota Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 690 | $24.92 | $51,830 | – 16.24% |
| Mississippi Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 290 | $29.95 | $62,290 | 0.66% |
| Missouri Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 900 | $28.33 | $58,940 | – 4.75% |
| Montana Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 90 | $23.55 | $48,980 | – 20.85% |
| Nebraska Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 150 | $25.56 | $53,160 | – 14.09% |
| Nevada Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 310 | $34.81 | $72,400 | 17% |
| New Hampshire Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 200 | $28.20 | $58,650 | – 5.22% |
| New Jersey Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 640 | $35.43 | $73,680 | 19.07% |
| New Mexico Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 170 | $27.90 | $58,040 | – 6.21% |
| New York Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 2,880 | $30.42 | $63,270 | 2.25% |
| North Carolina Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 1,390 | $30.79 | $64,050 | 3.51% |
| North Dakota Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 130 | $26.08 | $54,240 | – 12.35% |
| Ohio Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 3,990 | $29.24 | $60,810 | – 1.73% |
| Oklahoma Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 770 | $31.05 | $64,570 | 4.35% |
| Oregon Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 350 | $30.42 | $63,270 | 2.25% |
| Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 2,670 | $27.50 | $57,200 | – 7.56% |
| Rhode Island Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 240 | $29.57 | $61,500 | – 0.61% |
| South Carolina Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 390 | $29.48 | $61,310 | – 0.92% |
| South Dakota Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 110 | $20.94 | $43,550 | – 29.62% |
| Tennessee Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 1,020 | $29.31 | $60,970 | – 1.47% |
| Texas Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 3,900 | $32.25 | $67,090 | 8.42% |
| Utah Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 290 | $28.60 | $59,490 | – 3.86% |
| Vermont Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 60 | $28.79 | $59,890 | – 3.22% |
| Virginia Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 900 | $32.75 | $68,120 | 10.08% |
| Washington Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 730 | $31.09 | $64,680 | 4.52% |
| West Virginia Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 290 | $27.63 | $57,460 | – 7.14% |
| Wisconsin Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 1,570 | $21.04 | $43,770 | – 29.27% |
| Wyoming Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary | 170 | $26.23 | $54,560 | – 11.83% |
What might affect the salary of an Occupational therapy assistant?
The salary of an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) can vary depending on various factors, such as location, experience, specialization, and the type of setting in which they work. Generally, OTAs who specialize in specific areas, have more experience, or work in high-demand settings tend to make the most money. Some of the factors that may lead to higher pay include:
- Specialization: OTAs who specialize in specific areas like pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health, or physical rehabilitation often have the potential to earn more due to their expertise in those fields.
- Experience: As with most professions, experienced OTAs tend to earn more than those with less experience. As an OTA gains years of practice and continuing education, their salary may increase accordingly.
- Geographic location: Salaries for OTAs can vary significantly depending on the region in which they work. Typically, OTAs working in urban areas or states with a higher cost of living earn more than those in rural areas or states with a lower cost of living.
- Type of setting: OTAs work in various settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, schools, and home health care. Salaries may differ based on the type of setting, with some settings offering higher salaries than others. For example, OTAs working in home health care or hospitals may earn more than those working in school settings.
- Employment status: Full-time OTAs generally earn more than part-time or contract OTAs. Additionally, salaried positions may offer benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, which can contribute to overall compensation.
What type of Occupational Therapy Assistant Makes the Most Money?
Some specializations and settings may offer higher average salaries than others.
Home health care
OTAs working in home health care settings often earn higher salaries due to the demand for individualized services and the need for specialized skills when working with clients in their homes.
Average Annual Salary: $64,290 (According to BLS as of May 2021)
Hospitals
Hospitals are high-pressure environments that require skilled healthcare professionals, including OTAs, to manage complex cases with a variety of medical conditions.
Hospitals also tend to have higher patient volumes, which can lead to more demand for occupational therapy services and a higher demand for OTAs. This demand can drive up the salaries of OTAs working in hospitals.
Average Annual Salary: $59,160 (According to BLS as of May 2021)
Rehabilitation centers
Rehabilitation centers typically work with patients who have complex medical needs and require intensive therapy. This may require OTAs to have a higher level of training and experience, which can lead to higher salaries.
Average Annual Income: $63,300 (According to BLS as of May 2021)
Offices of other health practitioners
Health Practioner offices may offer specialized services that require more advanced knowledge and skills from their OTAs. For example, an OTA who works in a chiropractor’s office may need to be proficient in manual therapy techniques to help patients with musculoskeletal conditions.
Average Annual Income: $62,850 (According to BLS as of May 2021)
What Are the Highest Paying States for Occupational Therapy Assistants?
| Rank | State | Employment | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nevada | 240 | $ 37.55 | $ 78,100 |
| 2 | California | 3,200 | $ 36.10 | $ 75,080 |
| 3 | Hawaii | 80 | $ 35.25 | $ 73,330 |
| 4 | New Jersey | 640 | $ 35.03 | $ 72,860 |
| 5 | Delaware | 60 | $ 34.58 | $ 71,930 |
What Are the Top Paying Cities for Occupational Therapy Assistants?
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cumberland, MD-WV | 60 | $ 25.43 | $ 52,900 |
| Johnstown, PA | 60 | $ 24.28 | $ 50,510 |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | 50 | $ 25.50 | $ 53,040 |
| Lima, OH | 60 | $ 28.51 | $ 59,290 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | 190 | $ 27.85 | $ 57,940 |
| Springfield, OH | 40 | $ 28.07 | $ 58,390 |
| Pueblo, CO | 50 | $ 28.23 | $ 58,720 |
| Wheeling, WV-OH | 50 | $ 27.01 | $ 56,170 |
| Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA | 170 | $ 26.34 | $ 54,790 |
| Jonesboro, AR | 50 | $ 32.13 | $ 66,830 |
Skills That Affect Occupational Therapy Assistant Salaries
Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.
Experience
Experience is a significant factor in determining the salary of an OTA. As an individual gains more experience, they typically become more knowledgeable and proficient in their job, which can lead to higher pay.
Communication skills
Strong communication skills are essential for OTAs, as they must be able to effectively collaborate with occupational therapists, patients, and their families. An OTA with excellent communication skills may command a higher salary.
Interpersonal skills
OTAs who are empathetic, compassionate, and able to develop strong rapport with their patients may be more successful in their careers, which can lead to higher pay.
Problem-solving skills
An OTA who can quickly and effectively identify and address issues related to patient care may be more valuable to employers and may receive higher compensation.
Time management and organization
OTAs who can efficiently manage their caseload, prioritize tasks, and maintain accurate records may be more likely to receive higher salaries.
Technical skills
Familiarity with various types of adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and software programs used in occupational therapy can make an OTA more marketable and potentially result in a higher salary.
How Can I Increase my Salary As an Occupational Therapy Assistant?
Gain experience
One of the most effective ways to increase your salary as an OTA is to gain experience in your field. With more experience, you will become more skilled and knowledgeable, which can make you more valuable to employers.
Pursue further education
Pursuing additional education, such as a bachelor’s degree or a specialty certification, can increase your knowledge and skills, making you more competitive in the job market and potentially leading to higher-paying positions.
Specialize in a particular area
Specializing in a particular area, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or mental health, can make you more marketable and increase your value to employers, which can result in higher salaries.
Consider working in high-paying areas
Consider seeking employment in higher-paying industries such as home health care, hospitals, or rehabilitation centers.
Negotiate your salary
When applying for a job or seeking a raise, be prepared to negotiate your salary. Research industry standards and be confident in advocating for yourself and your worth.
Consider geographical location
Salaries may vary based on geographical location. Consider seeking employment in areas with higher salaries or a lower cost of living.
Does An Occupational Therapy Assistant Make More Than A Physical Therapy Assistant?
The salaries of occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) and physical therapy assistants (PTAs) are comparable, but may vary depending on several factors such as industry, location, and years of experience. Additionally, some industries may offer higher salaries than others. For example, OTAs and PTAs working in home health care services or hospitals tend to earn higher salaries than those working in educational services.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2021, the median annual wage for OTAs was $62,940, while the median annual wage for PTAs was $59,420.
How Much More Do Occupational Therapy Assistants Make With Experience?
Experience can have a significant impact on the salaries of occupational therapy assistants (OTAs). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for OTAs was $62,940 as of May 2021. However, the salary for OTAs can increase with experience.
| Years of Experience | Annual Salary |
| 1-4 | $43,740 – $51,350 |
| 5-9 | $54,460 and $73,610 |
| 10-19 | $66,090 and $89,340 |
Additional Monetary Benefits of an Occupational Therapy Assistant?
Health insurance
Many employers offer health insurance benefits, which can include medical, dental, and vision coverage for the OTA and their dependents.
Retirement plans
Some employers offer retirement plans, such as 401(k) or pension plans, to help OTAs save for their future.
Paid time off
OTAs may be eligible for paid time off for vacation, sick leave, or personal days.
Continuing education
Some employers may offer financial assistance for continuing education, which can help OTAs maintain their certification and keep up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.
Bonuses
OTAs may be eligible for bonuses based on their performance or the performance of their department or organization.
Relocation assistance
Some employers may offer relocation assistance to help OTAs move to a new city or state for a job.