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How much does an ORT Certified make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an ORT Certified in the United States is $55,998 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

However, an ORT Certified's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $60,270
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $50,484 to $58,234
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $45,464

Key Factors That Influence ORT Certified Salaries

An ORT Certified'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 ORT Certified Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an ORT Certified'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): $54,177
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $54,342
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $56,155
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $57,089
  • Expert (over 8 years): $57,156
Levels Salary
Entry Level ORT Certified$54,177
Intermediate Level ORT Certified$54,342
Senior Level ORT Certified$56,155
Specialist Level ORT Certified$57,089
Expert Level ORT Certified$57,156

How Do ORT Certified Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract ORT Certifieds. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $62,003.
  • California: $61,767.
  • Massachusetts: $60,944.

Top Paying Cities for ORT Certifieds

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: $70,633
  • San Francisco: $69,860
  • Oakland: $68,387

What Skills Can Increase an ORT Certified's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 3.36% 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.
  • Basic Life Support (Mentioned in 3.08% Job Postings): BLS is a level of medical care which is used for patients with life-threatening illnesses or injuries until they can be given full medical care by advanced life support providers. It can be provided by trained medical personnel.
  • Cardiac (Mentioned in 2.09% Job Postings): Cardiac means relating to the heart. The adjective cardiac is most often used in a medical context: a doctor who operates on people's hearts is a cardiac surgeon and an irregular heart beat is called "cardiac arrhythmia."
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 3.36%
Basic Life Support 3.08%
Cardiac 2.09%

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 an ORT Certified's salary.

  • Team Building: Can increase your salary by up to 36%.
  • Innovation: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Accountability: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Team Building $76,157
36%
Innovation $59,358
6%
Accountability $58,798
5%

ORT Certified Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

ORT Certified salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $59,377. While startup companies pay approximate $50,606.

ORT Certified Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $50,606
Growth Stage 51~500 $53,424
Established 501~5000 $57,420
Enterprise 5000+ $59,377

ORT Certified Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For ORT Certified roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, ORT Certified positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view ORT Certified as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an ORT Certified

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$67,198$32.020%

How Education impacts an ORT Certified's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many ORT Certifieds enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an ORT Certified with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $52,268 and $55,423).

ORT Certified Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for ORT Certified
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.7%
High School 58.7%
Associates 30.1%
Bachelors 8.4%
Masters 2.1%
Doctorate 0.0%

ORT Certified Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an ORT Certified'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.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$50,484
Average $55,998/year
$58,234
$4,207
Average $4,667/month
$4,853
$971
Average $1,077/week
$1,120
$24
Average $27/hour
$28
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $58,234 $4,853 $1,120 $28
Average $55,998 $4,667 $1,077 $27
25th Percentile $50,484 $4,207 $971 $24

ORT Certified Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an ORT Certified, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

ORT Certified Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Surgical Technician $54,500 -3%
Anesthesia Equipment Technician $48,500 -13%
Perioperative Tech $52,900 -6%

Most common benefits for ORT Certified

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for ORT Certified

Here are companies hiring for ORT Certified and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about ORT Certified

1. What industry pays the highest salary for ORT Certified?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for ORT Certified roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. Where does OTA make the most money?

ORT Certified professionals can expect salaries ranging from a minimum of $52,484 to a maximum of $64,482, with a median salary of $58,279. This indicates that OTA roles can be quite lucrative, especially for those with experience and specialized skills, making it a promising field for financial growth.

3. What pays more PT or OT?

The average salary for physical therapists (PT) is significantly higher than that of occupational therapists (OT). Based on ORT Certified data, the salary range for OT is between $52,484 and $64,482, with a mid-salary of $58,279. In contrast, PT salaries are generally around $97,960, indicating that PTs typically earn more than OTs.

4. Which state pays OTs the most?

While specific state salaries can vary, the average salary range for occupational therapists (OTs) is between $52,484 and $64,482, with a mid-salary of $58,279. States like California and New York typically offer higher salaries, but OTs should also consider areas with high demand and limited competition for better earning potential.

5. Is OSCP an entry level?

The OSCP is a well-regarded certification in the IT field. While it is seen as a foundational pen testing credential, it is aimed at experienced cybersecurity professionals rather than beginners. Salaries for OSCP holders typically range from $52,484 to $64,482, with a median around $58,279, reflecting the value of this certification in the job market.

6. Is going into OT worth it?

Pursuing a career in occupational therapy is indeed worth it. With a competitive salary range from $52,484 to $64,482, it offers a high growth rate, low stress, and an excellent work-life balance. U.S. News and World Report ranks occupational therapy assistant as the #1 best healthcare support job, highlighting its promising job prospects and rewarding nature.

7. What is the best cybersecurity certification?

The best cybersecurity certification can vary based on individual career goals, but ORT Certified is highly regarded. Professionals with this certification can expect salaries ranging from $52,484 to $64,482, with a median salary of $58,279. This certification can enhance job prospects and earning potential in the cybersecurity field.

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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