The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks occupational therapy assistants under SOC code 31-2011. As of May 2025 OEWS data, the median annual wage is $72,300 ($34.76/hr), with 51,290 workers employed nationwide. BLS projects employment to grow 19.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 7,200 openings expected each year.

Key Takeaways Median pay: $72,300 per year ($34.76/hr)

Top 10% earn: more than $89,780 per year ($43.16/hr)

Entry-level (bottom 10%): under $51,490 per year ($24.76/hr)

Projected growth: 19.2% from 2024 to 2034

Annual job openings: ~7,200 per year through 2034

Workers employed nationwide: 51,290

Highest-paying state: Maryland (median $82,010)

State with most workers: Texas (5,610 employed) Sources: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025; BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034. Last reviewed June 8, 2026.

Quick answer: Training as an occupational therapy assistant usually takes about 2 years. You complete an ACOTE-accredited associate degree (tuition is often $10,000 to $30,000), finish supervised clinical fieldwork, then pass the NBCOT certification exam to earn the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) credential. Nearly every state then requires a license to practice.

The median occupational therapy assistant salary is $72,300 per year ($34.76/hour), and employers post about 7,200 openings nationwide each year (BLS, May 2025). Occupational therapy assistants work directly with patients under the direction of a licensed occupational therapist. They guide people through therapeutic exercises and adaptive techniques that help them rebuild motor skills, adjust to a disability, and return to daily activities after an injury or illness.

How to Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant Most people enter the field in about two years, the time it takes to finish an accredited associate degree.

The path is well defined: you complete an approved program, pass a national board exam, and earn a state license before you treat patients on your own. Earn a high school diploma or GED A high school diploma or GED is the minimum requirement for every OTA program. Because the coursework leans heavily on science, the best preparation is a solid foundation in biology, anatomy, and psychology, along with any health-occupations or sports-medicine classes your school offers.

Strong reading and note-taking habits matter too, since you will study kinesiology, medical terminology, and documentation. It also helps to confirm early that you can meet a program’s admission requirements, which often include a minimum GPA, prerequisite science credits, and sometimes documented volunteer or observation hours in a therapy setting. Spending time shadowing an OTA or volunteering in a rehab clinic, nursing facility, or pediatric program is one of the best ways to make sure the work fits you, and it strengthens your application at the same time.

If you already hold a diploma or another degree, you can move straight to choosing a program. Complete an ACOTE-accredited OTA program This is the core credential. You earn an associate degree from a program with accreditation from ACOTE, the accreditation council connected to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

Accreditation is not optional here: graduating from an ACOTE-accredited program is what makes you eligible to sit for the national certification exam, so confirm a school’s status before you enroll. A typical program takes about two years and blends classroom and lab study with supervised clinical fieldwork. Coursework covers anatomy and kinesiology, conditions across the lifespan, therapeutic methods, adaptive equipment, and clinical documentation.

The fieldwork rotations, completed at hospitals, schools, clinics, and long-term care sites, are where you practice real treatment under a licensed supervisor. Some programs offer classroom coursework online or in a hybrid format, but the fieldwork must be done in person at approved sites. Pass the NBCOT certification exam After you graduate, you sit for the certification exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

Passing earns you the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) credential, which is the national standard the profession is built around. The exam tests the knowledge and clinical judgment you developed in your program, so most graduates prepare with NBCOT study materials and practice tests in the weeks after finishing fieldwork. Budget for the exam fee, which is about $555.

Earning the COTA credential is the gateway to the next step, because state licensing boards rely on NBCOT certification to confirm you meet national competency standards. Keeping the credential active over time requires ongoing professional development. Obtain your state license Nearly every state requires occupational therapy assistants to hold a license before they can practice.

Requirements are set state by state, but they almost always start with graduating from an ACOTE-accredited program and passing the NBCOT exam. From there, you submit an application to your state’s occupational therapy or health licensing board, pay a fee, and in many states pass a background check. Because the specifics, including renewal periods and continuing-education hours, vary, check your state board’s rules directly before you apply.

Renewal typically requires continuing education to keep your skills current, and if you move to another state you will usually need to apply for a license there as well. Start your OTA career and advance With your license in hand, you can apply for roles across hospitals, outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing and long-term care facilities, school systems, and home health agencies. Tailor your resume to the setting you want, highlight the fieldwork rotations that match it,



and use your program’s career office and AOTA membership to find openings and connect with employers.

Many new OTAs start in a general setting and then specialize over time in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, hand therapy, or mental health. With experience you can move into lead or senior roles, work as a fieldwork educator for students, or bridge into an occupational therapist position by completing the additional graduate-level education that role requires. Compare training programs near you Browse program lengths, formats, and start dates from accredited schools that match your goals.

See programs near you ↑ What Occupational Therapy Assistants Do OTAs help patients rebuild the everyday and work skills they need to live independently. Working from a plan a licensed occupational therapist creates, they lead people through therapeutic exercises, teach them how to use adaptive equipment, and adjust activities so each patient can practice skills safely. Their hands-on time with patients is what turns a treatment plan into real progress.

Day to day, an OTA might help a stroke patient relearn how to dress and cook, guide a child with a developmental delay through fine-motor activities, or coach an older adult on moving safely after surgery. They also track how patients respond, update documentation, and keep the supervising therapist informed.

Typical Responsibilities

Carry out treatment plans developed by occupational therapists

Lead patients through physical and cognitive therapy activities

Track progress and update clinical documentation

Teach patients and families to use adaptive equipment

Support rehabilitation in hospitals, schools, and clinics OTAs make a direct difference in their patients’ independence and quality of life.

Key Skills and Traits for Success Compassion and patience with people who are recovering

Clear communication and the ability to motivate

Physical stamina for hands-on, on-your-feet therapy work

Creativity in adapting treatments to each patient A working grasp of anatomy, psychology, and rehabilitation methods Work Settings for OTAs Hospitals and rehabilitation centers

Outpatient therapy clinics

Nursing and long-term care facilities

Schools and pediatric centers

Home health agencies Education and Certification Pathways Pathway Typical Duration Outcome Associate degree (ACOTE-accredited) About 2 years Required for entry-level employment NBCOT certification (COTA) After graduation National credential required to practice State licensure Varies by state Legal requirement to work as an OTA Quick Facts: OTA Salary, Education, and Outlook Median Pay $72,300 $34.76/hr Top 10%: $89,780 Job Outlook (2024-2034) 19.3% 7,200 openings/yr Employment (2025) 51,290 Wage Percentiles 25th $61,710 75th $79,160 Typical Education Associate degree from an accredited OTA program On-the-Job Training None Highest Paying States MarylandCaliforniaTexas Top Industries Cross-industry Certification Required (NBCOT Certification + State License) 2025 data | SOC 31-2011 | Source: BLS OEWS What occupational therapy assistants earn across the pay scale Use this chart on your site (free) This chart is free to republish. Copy the code below; it credits TradeCareerPath.com with a link back to this page. Chart by TradeCareerPath.com Career Growth and Advancement Projected job growth for occupational therapy assistants Use this chart on your site (free) This chart is free to republish.

Copy the code below; it credits TradeCareerPath.com with a link back to this page. Chart by TradeCareerPath.com With Experience, OTAs Can Specialize Or Advance Into Occupational therapy specialist in pediatrics, geriatrics, or rehab

Rehabilitation manager or coordinator

Occupational therapist (OT) by completing graduate-level education

Clinical fieldwork educator or program director Cost and Duration of Training Program cost: about varies by school, format and location depending on program and school

Duration: about 2 years for an associate degree

NBCOT exam fee: about $555 Many OTA programs offer flexible or hybrid coursework for working students, though fieldwork is completed in person. Pros and Cons Pros Strong demand and job security

Emotionally rewarding patient work

Solid pay for a two-year degree

Variety of healthcare settings Cons Physically demanding work

Requires licensure and continuing education

Can involve emotionally challenging cases State Licensing and Requirements Nearly all states require OTAs to hold a license and to be NBCOT certified before practicing. Specific application steps, renewal periods, and continuing-education hours vary by state, so check your state’s occupational therapy or health licensing board for current rules. Take the First Step Toward a Career as an OTA If you are compassionate, hands-on, and want to help people regain their independence, training as an occupational therapy assistant offers both purpose and stability.

Industry

Organizations & Certifying Bodies These are the recognized national organizations, unions, certifying bodies, and regulatory authorities that shape this trade. They issue the credentials, sponsor the apprenticeships, publish the codes, and represent workers and employers.

National

Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Issues the COTA (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant) credential required for licensure.

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Professional association; ACOTE accredits OTA programs.



Wage and Employment Charts Top-paying states for occupational therapy assistants Use this chart on your site (free) This chart is free to republish. Copy the code below; it credits TradeCareerPath.com with a link back to this page.

Chart by TradeCareerPath.com Ready to start training? See accredited programs, request info, and compare start dates from schools that fit your goals. Get matched with programs ↑ Workplace Safety Snapshot BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses data (2023-2024) report approximately 152.9 days-away, restricted, or transfer cases per 10,000 full-time-equivalent workers in occupational therapy assistants (about 1.53 per 100 FTE).

Source: BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, Table R98.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does occupational therapy assistant training take? Most people finish in about 2 years through an ACOTE-accredited associate degree program, which is the standard entry credential. After graduation you pass the NBCOT certification exam and apply for a state license before you can practice.

A high school diploma or GED is generally required to get started. Do you need a college degree to work as an occupational therapy assistant? Yes. Almost all states require an associate degree from an ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy assistant program.

That coursework, the supervised fieldwork inside it, and the NBCOT exam together qualify you for state licensure. How much does occupational therapy assistant training cost? Tuition for an associate degree program typically runs about $10,000 to $30,000 depending on whether the school is public or private and whether you study in state.

The NBCOT certification exam adds a fee of about $555. Costs vary by program and school, so confirm current figures with each one. Is certification or a license required to work as an OTA? Yes. You must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to earn the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) credential, and nearly every state then requires a license to practice.

License renewal usually requires continuing education. Is it hard to train as an occupational therapy assistant? The path is structured and relatively short at about 2 years, but the coursework is rigorous.

You study anatomy, kinesiology, and psychology, complete supervised clinical fieldwork, and pass a national board exam. The job itself is physically active and emotionally demanding. Can you train as an occupational therapy assistant online?

Some ACOTE-accredited programs offer classroom coursework online or in a hybrid format, but the required fieldwork must be completed in person at approved clinical sites. Confirm a program holds ACOTE accreditation before you enroll, since it is required for NBCOT exam eligibility. What is the difference between an OTA and an occupational therapist?

An occupational therapy assistant works under the direction of a licensed occupational therapist, carrying out treatment plans and guiding patients through therapy activities. An occupational therapist evaluates patients, designs the treatment plan, and holds a master's or doctoral degree. Many OTAs later bridge into an OT role through additional education.

How Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay

Compares to Similar Trades Side-by-side comparison of Occupational Therapy Assistant and the closest related careers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2025 OEWS + 2024-2034 Employment Projections).

Career Median

Pay 10-Year Growth Annual Openings Occupational Therapy Assistant this guide $72,300 +19.2% 7,200 Physical Therapy Aide $35,240 +2.8% 6,600 Medical Assistant $45,690 +12.5% 112,300 Mental Health Technician $45,130 +20.0% 15,900 Personal Trainer $47,160 +11.9% 74,200 Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics + BLS Employment Projections.

Related Careers Physical Therapy

Aide

Medical Assistant

Mental Health Technician

Personal Trainer Degree and Program Guides Online Physical Therapist Assistant Programs - the sibling rehabilitation credential Sources U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025)

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024-2034

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (2023-2024, Table R98)

U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, Davis-Bacon General Wage Determinations (2026) Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary by State BLS OEWS, May 2025 Filter states State Median annual Top 10% annual California $81,770 $104,990 New Jersey $74,960 $100,700 Colorado $75,340 $100,190 Arkansas $78,940 $98,960 Nevada $79,510 $97,590 Alaska $53,530 $95,900 Texas $81,500 $95,900 Maryland $82,010 $95,520 Utah $66,080 $94,870 Montana $72,800 $94,510 New Mexico $77,020 $94,000 Arizona $73,490 $89,880 Virginia $74,960 $89,560 Washington $77,590 $88,250 South Carolina $73,740 $87,860 Indiana $66,660 $86,870 Georgia $75,920 $86,830 Oregon $76,850 $86,010 District of Columbia $66,390 $85,660 Recent Hampshire $67,790 $85,610 North Carolina $69,390 $83,360 Louisiana $66,090 $83,200 New York $68,530 $83,200 Massachusetts $75,040 $82,180 Delaware $78,640 $82,070 Connecticut $72,780 $81,400 Maine $64,270 $81,220 Missouri $66,070 $80,930 Illinois $64,120 $80,150 Iowa $64,140 $79,800 Alabama $62,250 $79,600 Ohio $62,700 $79,600 Florida $71,630 $79,350 Oklahoma $66,520 $79,320 Michigan $63,260 $79,310 Tennessee $62,420 $78,950 Mississippi $61,650 $78,320 Nebraska $63,180 $77,840 Pennsylvania $71,590 $77,790 Kansas $65,010 $77,410 Hawaii $72,710 $77,280 Kentucky $65,230 $77,270 West Virginia $60,370 $76,940 Rhode Island $66,710 $75,560 Idaho $65,330 $74,720 Wyoming $62,750 $74,430 Minnesota $64,920 $73,040 Wisconsin $59,960 $72,940 South Dakota $56,180 $72,800 North Dakota $60,970 $65,540 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

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