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Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) Salary in the United States

How much does a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) make in the United States?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) in the United States is $61,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.

However, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $72,281
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $55,500 to $67,000
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $50,310
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View as table View as graph 25% $55,500 10% $50,310 90% $72,281 75% $67,000 $61,200 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $67,000 $5,583 $1,288 $32
Average $61,200 $5,100 $1,177 $29
25th Percentile $55,500 $4,625 $1,067 $27
Check out Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) Job Openings in the United States
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant COTA

Lorian Health - SAN DIEGO, CA

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Sign on

Woodside Post Acute - MOLALLA, OR

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona - FLAGSTAFF, AZ

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Playful Learning Pediatric Therapy - EAGLE RIVER, AK

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Key Factors That Influence Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) Salaries

A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)'s salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)'s salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $60,179
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $61,373
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $63,797
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $64,057
  • Expert (over 8 years): $64,230
Levels Salary
Entry Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)$60,179
Intermediate Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)$61,373
Senior Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)$63,797
Specialist Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)$64,057
Expert Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)$64,230
$60,179 0 yr
$61,373 < 2 yrs
$63,797 2-4 yrs
$64,057 5-8 yrs
$64,230 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)s

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $77,100
  • San Francisco: $76,400
  • Oakland: $74,700

What Skills Can Increase a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)'s Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 3.73% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Billing (Mentioned in 2.47% Job Postings): Billing refers to the aspect of banking, whereby someone is charged accurately for what item they purchased.
  • Clinical Leadership (Mentioned in 1.22% Job Postings): Overseeing and coordinating clinical operations while balancing patients' and business needs to achieve quality and safety of care outcomes.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 3.73%
Billing 2.47%
Clinical Leadership 1.22%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)'s salary.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Rehabilitation Services: Can increase your salary by up to 2%.
  • Organizational Skills: Can increase your salary by up to 2%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Collaboration
 $63,648
4%
Rehabilitation Services
 $62,424
2%
Organizational Skills
 $62,424
2%
Empathy
 $62,424
2%
Communicates Effectively
 $62,424
2%
Communication Skills
 $62,424
2%
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How Education impacts a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)'s Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)s enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) with a Associate's Degree is between $60,624 and $64,100).

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.4%
High School 4.2%
Associates 84.8%
Bachelors 8.8%
Masters 1.8%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)'s annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on January 01, 2026
$55,500
Average $61,200/year
$67,000
$4,625
Average $5,100/month
$5,583
$1,067
Average $1,177/week
$1,288
$27
Average $29/hour
$32
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $67,000 $5,583 $1,288 $32
Average $61,200 $5,100 $1,177 $29
25th Percentile $55,500 $4,625 $1,067 $27

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) Salary Growth & Career Path

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Occupational Therapy Department Leader

For a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Occupational Therapy Department Leader role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $127,320 - a projected growth of 108% over your current level.

Salaries of jobs related to Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Salary Trends for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Salaries for a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $55,644 in 2023 to around $55,263 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$55,644
2024
$55,899
2025
$55,263
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $55,644
2024 $55,899
2025 $55,263
2026
View More
2027
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Most common benefits for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Here are companies hiring for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

1. Are COTAs in high demand?

Yes, COTAs are in high demand, with a projected job growth of 32% from 2019 to 2029, according to the BLS. This demand is reflected in their salary range, with a minimum salary of $57,900, a mid-salary of $64,200, and a maximum salary of $71,000, making it a promising career choice.

2. What state pays cotas the most?

The salary data for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) indicates a minimum salary of $57,900, a mid-range salary of $64,200, and a maximum salary of $71,000. While states like California, Washington, and New Jersey offer higher salaries, the average COTA salary remains within this range across various locations.

3. Are COTAs in high demand?

COTAs are indeed in high demand, with a projected job growth of 32% from 2019 to 2029, significantly outpacing the average for all occupations. This demand is reflected in their salary range, with a minimum of $57,900, a mid-salary of $64,200, and a maximum of $71,000, making it an attractive career choice.

4. How much do occupational therapy assistants make in the US?

Occupational therapy assistants in the US earn between $57,900 and $71,000 annually, with a median salary of $64,200. This reflects a range where the lowest earners make around $57,900, while the highest earners can make up to $71,000.

5. What is the highest salary of OT assistant?

The highest salary for a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) is $71,000. Salary data indicates a minimum of $57,900 and a mid-range salary of $64,200, reflecting the earnings potential for COTAs based on experience and location.

6. What type of OTA makes the most money?

The salary for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) typically ranges from a minimum of $57,900 to a maximum of $71,000, with a median salary of $64,200. While some industries may offer higher pay, COTAs generally earn well within this range, reflecting their valuable contributions in various healthcare settings.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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