Occupational Therapy Assistants

SOC code 31-2011 · O*NET-SOC 31-2011.00 · Medium preparation needed · Healthcare

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Occupational Therapy Assistants pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$72,300

a year

Hourly

$34.76

per hour

10th$51,490Median$72,30090th$89,780

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$70,710

$33.99 per hour

Middle 50%

$61,710 – $79,160

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$51,490 – $89,780

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

51,290

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $51,490; $24.76/hr
25th percentile: $61,710; $29.67/hr
Median percentile: $72,300; $34.76/hr
75th percentile: $79,160; $38.06/hr
90th percentile: $89,780; $43.16/hr

What does an occupational therapy assistant do?

Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Instruct, or assist in instructing, patients and families in home programs, basic living skills, or the care and use of adaptive equipment.
Maintain and promote a positive attitude toward clients and their treatment programs.
Report to supervisors, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior.
Implement, or assist occupational therapists with implementing, treatment plans designed to help clients function independently.
Monitor patients' performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement.
Observe and record patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior and maintain this information in client records.
Select therapy activities to fit patients' needs and capabilities.
Attend continuing education classes.

How to become an occupational therapy assistant

Most people in this role hold associate's degree or other 2-year degree — 92% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree92%
Some College Courses5%
Bachelor's Degree3%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate0%

Common questions

How much does an occupational therapy assistant earn?

The national median is $72,300 a year. The full range runs from $51,490 at the 10th percentile to $89,780 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an occupational therapy assistant without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.9/5
Speaking3.9/5
Reading Comprehension3.6/5
Critical Thinking3.4/5
Monitoring3.4/5
Writing3.3/5
Active Learning3.3/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service4.7/5
Psychology4.3/5
Education and Training3.9/5
English Language3.7/5
Therapy and Counseling3.7/5
Public Safety and Security3.4/5
Sociology and Anthropology3.1/5
Administrative3.1/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Time Management.