Occupational Therapy Assistant
Help patients practice everyday skills under an occupational therapist.
- $72,300
- 2 years
Healthcare career
Occupational Therapy Aide
Also called: OT Aide · Rehab Aide · Therapy Aide · OT Technician
What occupational therapy aides do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an occupational therapy aide do?
Occupational therapy aides prepare treatment areas, transport patients and help with clerical tasks, supporting occupational therapists and assistants. The median pay is $39,160 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–4 weeks, and employment is projected to grow +3.6% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$39,160$18.83/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+3.6%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year600Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to train1–4 weeksTypical program length
- U.S. jobs4,400Employment, 2025
What occupational therapy aides do
OT aides keep therapy departments running. They set up treatment rooms and equipment, clean supplies, help move patients, schedule appointments, answer phones and sometimes assist during activities under direct supervision.
Most OT aides have a high school diploma and train on the job. Many use the role to explore therapy careers.
Typical duties
- Prepare treatment areas
- Clean and organize equipment
- Transport patients
- Schedule appointments
- Assist with activities under supervision
- Stock supplies
- Handle clerical tasks
Work environment and schedule
Aides work in hospitals, rehab centers and outpatient clinics.
Schedule: Most work full-time days.
A day in the life
- Set up the therapy gym.
- Bring a patient to therapy.
- Clean equipment between sessions.
- Answer phones and schedule.
See a full day in the life of an occupational therapy aide →
Occupational Therapy Aide salary
Half of occupational therapy aides earned more than $39,160 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $29,430 for the lowest 10% to $70,200 for the top 10%.
Full occupational therapy aide pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an occupational therapy aide
- Apply to clinics
- Complete training
- Learn equipment
- Explore therapy
- Advance
A high school diploma is typical, plus short on-the-job training.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an occupational therapy aide →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Equipment setup
- Patient transport
- Infection control
- Scheduling
- Basic patient safety
People skills
- Reliability
- Friendliness
- Organization
- Teamwork
All occupational therapy aide skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Quick entry
- Explore therapy careers
- Regular hours
- Supportive teams
Cons
- Modest pay
- Limited clinical tasks
- Repetitive work
- Physical demands
Certifications and licenses
- CPR: Basic life support.
- Safe patient handling: Lifting training.
- Medical terminology course: Optional.
- CNA: Optional path.
Career path
- OT Aide: Support therapy.
- Rehab Technician: More duties.
- OTA: With a degree.
- Occupational Therapist: With graduate degree.
Learn the job before day one
Our Occupational Therapy Aide training (8 hours, $74.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as prepare a therapy station and clean equipment, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Physical Therapist Aide
Help physical therapy teams set up, clean and keep patients moving.
- $35,240
- 1–4 weeks
Orderly
Move patients and equipment and help keep hospital units running.
- $38,290
- 1–4 weeks
Occupational Therapist
Help people do everyday activities after injury, illness or disability.
- $100,330
- 6–7 years
Compare: OT Aide vs. OTA · OT Aide vs. PT Aide · OT Aide vs. Orderly · OT Aide vs. OT
Occupational Therapy Aide FAQ
Do OT aides need certification?
Usually not.
Can aides treat patients?
Only under direct supervision for simple tasks.
Is this a path to OTA?
Yes, many aides go on to OTA programs.
How much does an occupational therapy aide make?
The median annual wage for occupational therapy aides was $39,160 ($18.83 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $29,430 and the highest 10% earned more than $70,200.
How long does it take to become an occupational therapy aide?
Most people need about 1–4 weeks of training. A high school diploma is typical, plus short on-the-job training.
Do you need a degree to be an occupational therapy aide?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
More occupational therapy aide questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 31-2012 (Occupational therapy aides).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Occupational therapy aides (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.