How much does an OT assistant make?
a year · about $35 an hour
A typical OT assistant in the United States makes $72,300 a year, about $35 an hour, about 1.4× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They set up activities, then coach people through practice—like dressing, moving from bed to wheelchair, or using helpful equipment. They watch progress, write notes, and share updates with the occupational therapist.
Did you know? Some OT assistants lead children with disabilities in play—not just for fun, but to build coordination and social skills and support developmental milestones.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $51,490 and $89,780How do you become one?
In the U.S., complete an associate degree in an ACOTE-accredited OTA program and its hands-on fieldwork. Then pass the NBCOT exam and apply for a state license; exact rules vary by state.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like helping and teaching and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, OT assistant pay can differ with experience, location, and employer type, such as a clinic, hospital, or care home. Work hours and shifts, extra credentials, and more complex duties or specialized skills may also affect pay.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Maryland ($82,010), lowest in Wisconsin ($59,960).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $51,490 | $72,300 | $89,780 | about 51,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $82,010 | about 710 |
| California | $81,770 | about 4,000 |
| Texas | $81,500 | about 6,000 |
| Arkansas | $78,940 | about 730 |
| Washington | $77,590 | about 720 |
Official definition: Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapy-assistants-and-aides.htm
- www.aota.org/career/become-an-ot-ota
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.nbcot.org/get-certified/eligibility
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY