As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Occupation Therapy Assistant in the United States is $60,612 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, an Occupation Therapy Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Occupation Therapy Assistant'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.
Experience is a primary driver of an Occupation Therapy Assistant'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Occupation Therapy Assistant | $59,198 |
| Intermediate Level Occupation Therapy Assistant | $60,356 |
| Senior Level Occupation Therapy Assistant | $62,737 |
| Specialist Level Occupation Therapy Assistant | $62,993 |
| Expert Level Occupation Therapy Assistant | $63,163 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Occupation Therapy Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.73% |
| Billing | 2.47% |
| Clinical Leadership | 1.22% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Collaboration
|
$63,036 |
4%
|
|
Rehabilitation Services
|
$61,824 |
2%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$61,824 |
2%
|
|
Empathy
|
$61,824 |
2%
|
|
Communicates Effectively
|
$61,824 |
2%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$61,824 |
2%
|
For Occupation Therapy Assistant roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Occupation Therapy Assistant positions in Edu., Government & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Occupation Therapy Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $66,673 | $32.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Occupation Therapy Assistants 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 an Occupation Therapy Assistant with a Associate's Degree is between $60,882 and $64,373).
Occupation Therapy Assistant Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how an Occupation Therapy Assistant'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for an Occupation Therapy Assistant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $54,804 in 2023 to around $54,429 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Occupation Therapy Assistant salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $54,804 |
| 2024 | $55,055 |
| 2025 | $54,429 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Occupation Therapy Assistant roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
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.)
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