Occupational Therapist
Help people do everyday activities after injury, illness or disability.
- $100,330
- 6–7 years
Healthcare career
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Also called: OTA · COTA · Certified OT Assistant · Rehab Assistant
What occupational therapy assistants 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 assistant do?
Occupational therapy assistants help patients develop, recover and improve the skills needed for daily living and working, following plans set by occupational therapists. The median pay is $72,300 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 2 years, and employment is projected to grow +21.5% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$72,300$34.76/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+21.5%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year8,100Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationAssociate's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train2 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs52,200Employment, 2025
What occupational therapy assistants do
OTAs carry out therapy plans. They lead patients through exercises and activities, teach new ways to dress, cook and work, help children build fine motor skills, train patients on adaptive equipment and report progress to the occupational therapist.
OTAs need an associate degree from an accredited program, pass the NBCOT exam and get licensed. BLS projects much faster than average growth.
Typical duties
- Lead therapy activities
- Teach daily living skills
- Train on adaptive equipment
- Help children with fine motor skills
- Track and report progress
- Prepare treatment areas
- Educate families
Work environment and schedule
OTAs work in hospitals, rehab centers, nursing homes, schools and home health.
Schedule: Most work full-time days.
A day in the life
- Review the OT’s plans.
- Practice dressing with a stroke patient.
- Run a hand strength session.
- Teach a patient to use a reacher.
See a full day in the life of an occupational therapy assistant →
Occupational Therapy Assistant salary
Half of occupational therapy assistants earned more than $72,300 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $51,490 for the lowest 10% to $89,780 for the top 10%.
Full occupational therapy assistant pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an occupational therapy assistant
- Take health classes
- Complete an OTA program
- Complete fieldwork
- Pass the COTA exam
- Advance
An associate degree from an accredited OTA program, the NBCOT COTA exam and a state license are required.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an occupational therapy assistant →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Therapeutic activities
- ADL training
- Adaptive equipment
- Fine motor activities
- Documentation
People skills
- Patience
- Encouragement
- Creativity
- Communication
All occupational therapy assistant skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Much faster-than-average growth
- Two-year degree
- Meaningful progress
- Good pay for an associate degree
Cons
- Physical demands
- Productivity targets
- Documentation
- Licensing exam
Certifications and licenses
- COTA (NBCOT): Certified OT Assistant.
- State license: Required.
- CPR: Basic life support.
- Specialty certificates: Pediatrics or physical agents.
Career path
- OTA: Provide therapy.
- Senior OTA: Specialize.
- Rehab Coordinator: Lead programs.
- Occupational Therapist: With graduate degree.
Learn the job before day one
Our Occupational Therapy Assistant training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as teach use of a sock aid and run a fine motor session, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Occupational Therapy Aide
Prepare therapy areas and help occupational therapy teams.
- $39,160
- 1–4 weeks
Physical Therapist Assistant
Help patients recover strength and movement after injuries, surgeries and illness.
- $68,380
- 2 years
Certified Nursing Assistant
Provide hands-on daily care to patients and residents under nurse supervision.
- $42,260
- 4–12 weeks
Compare: OTA vs. OT · OTA vs. OT Aide · OTA vs. PT Assistant · OTA vs. CNA
Occupational Therapy Assistant FAQ
How long does it take to become an OTA?
About two years.
Do OTAs need a license?
Yes, in most states.
Is the field growing?
Yes, BLS projects much faster than average growth.
How much does an occupational therapy assistant make?
The median annual wage for occupational therapy assistants was $72,300 ($34.76 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $51,490 and the highest 10% earned more than $89,780.
How long does it take to become an occupational therapy assistant?
Most people need about 2 years of training. An associate degree from an accredited OTA program, the NBCOT COTA exam and a state license are required.
Do you need a degree to be an occupational therapy assistant?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education.
More occupational therapy assistant questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 31-2011 (Occupational therapy assistants).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Occupational therapy assistants (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.