FAQ
Occupational Therapy Assistant FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as an occupational therapy assistant.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming an occupational therapy assistant: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about occupational therapy assistants
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.
Is occupational therapy assistant a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +21.5% from 2025–35 (much faster than average), with about 8,100 openings each year. Upsides include much faster-than-average growth; a common challenge is that physical demands.
What skills does an occupational therapy assistant need?
Key technical skills include therapeutic activities, adl training, adaptive equipment, and fine motor activities. Employers also value patience, encouragement, and creativity.
What certifications are available for occupational therapy assistants?
Common credentials include COTA (NBCOT), State license, CPR, and Specialty certificates. All states regulate OTAs, usually through licensing after the NBCOT exam.
Still deciding?
Try the Occupational Therapy Assistant fit quiz, compare with Occupational Therapist, or explore Occupational Therapy Assistant training.
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.