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Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides

Summary

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Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqG5tRleeow.
Quick Facts: Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides
2023 Median Pay $65,450 per year
$31.47 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education See How to Become One
Work Experience in a Related Occupation None
On-the-job Training See How to Become One
Number of Jobs, 2023 52,100
Job Outlook, 2023-33 21% (Much faster than average)
Employment Change, 2023-33 10,800

What Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides Do

Occupational therapy assistants and aides help occupational therapists provide treatments and procedures to clients, or they do routine tasks such as preparing treatment rooms.

Work Environment

Occupational therapy assistants and aides work primarily in occupational therapists’ offices, in hospitals, and in nursing care facilities. Occupational therapy assistants and aides spend much of their time standing while setting up equipment and, in the case of assistants, providing therapy to clients.

How to Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant or Aide

Occupational therapy assistants typically need an associate’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program. Occupational therapy assistants usually need a state-issued license. Occupational therapy aides typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and receive training on the job.

Pay

The median annual wage for occupational therapy aides was $36,970 in May 2023.

The median annual wage for occupational therapy assistants was $67,010 in May 2023.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of occupational therapy assistants and aides is projected to grow 21 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 7,800 openings for occupational therapy assistants and aides are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

State & Area Data

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for occupational therapy assistants and aides.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of occupational therapy assistants and aides with similar occupations.

More Information, Including Links to O*NET

Learn more about occupational therapy assistants and aides by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

What Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides Do About this section

Occupational therapy assistants and aides
Occupational therapy aides may handle some clerical tasks, like answering calls from patients and scheduling appointments.

Occupational therapy assistants help occupational therapists provide treatments and procedures to clients. Occupational therapy aides do select or routine tasks, such as preparing treatment rooms, under the direction of occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants.

Duties

Occupational therapy assistants typically do the following:

  • Guide clients in therapeutic activities, such as exercises to improve motor skills and functional abilities 
  • Lead children who have disabilities in play activities that promote coordination, socialization, and meeting developmental milestones
  • Teach clients new ways of accomplishing everyday tasks
  • Instruct clients in the use of special equipment—for example, showing a client with Parkinson’s disease how to use adaptive devices to simplify meal preparation
  • Record clients’ progress, report to occupational therapists, and do other administrative tasks

Occupational therapy aides typically do the following:

  • Prepare treatment areas, such as by setting up therapy equipment
  • Escort clients to and from treatment areas
  • Clean treatment areas and equipment
  • Help clients complete paperwork, such as forms for billing and insurance
  • Do clerical tasks, including scheduling appointments and answering telephones

Occupational therapy assistants work with occupational therapists to help clients develop, improve, and maintain everyday skills. For example, they may teach clients to move from a bed into a wheelchair or to complete self-care activities, such as bathing and getting dressed.

In addition, an occupational therapy assistant might help injured clients return to the workforce by teaching them to compensate for lost motor skills. Occupational therapy assistants also may work with people who have disabilities, helping them learn socialization, money management, or other skills they need to be successful and independent at school, work, or home.

Occupational therapy assistants are part of an interdisciplinary team that includes occupational therapists and other healthcare specialists. These assistants help to coordinate client care by monitoring activities to make sure that clients do them correctly, recording client progress, and providing feedback. They also collaborate with occupational therapists so that the therapist can modify the client’s plan as needed.

Occupational therapy aides usually prepare materials and assemble equipment used during treatment. They may greet clients and assist clients in moving to and from treatment areas. They may take and record client vital signs prior to a therapy session. They may communicate patient status and symptoms to occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants.

Occupational therapy aides also may assist an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant by retrieving or removing therapy equipment. After a therapy session, aides clean the treatment area and equipment, put away equipment, and gather laundry.

Occupational therapy aides may help clients complete insurance forms and other paperwork. They also are responsible for a range of clerical tasks, such as scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, and monitoring inventory.

Work Environment About this section

occupational therapy assistants and aides image
Occupational therapy assistants may work with children who have developmental disabilities.

Occupational therapy aides held about 4,600 jobs in 2023. The largest employers of occupational therapy aides were as follows:

Offices of other health practitioners 36%
Hospitals; state, local, and private 30
Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities) 10

Occupational therapy assistants held about 47,500 jobs in 2023. The largest employers of occupational therapy assistants were as follows:

Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists 43%
Hospitals; state, local, and private 19
Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities) 15
Educational services; state, local, and private 7
Home healthcare services 6

Occupational therapy assistants and aides spend much of their time standing while setting up equipment and, in the case of assistants, providing therapy to clients. Constant kneeling and stooping are part of the job, as is the occasional need to lift clients.

Injuries and Illnesses

Occupational therapy aides have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Their work may require physically demanding tasks, which can cause injuries. Aides can limit some of their risks, such as protecting against back injury by using proper body mechanics and lifting techniques when moving clients.

Work Schedules

Most occupational therapy assistants and aides work full time, but part-time work is common. Their schedules may include work in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate clients’ schedules.

How to Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant or Aide About this section

Occupational therapy assistants and aides
Occupational therapy aides help patients with billing and insurance forms.

Occupational therapy assistants typically need an associate’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program. Occupational therapy assistants usually need a state-issued license. Occupational therapy aides typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and are trained on the job.

Education and Training

Occupational therapy assistants typically need an associate’s degree from an accredited program, although some bachelor’s degree programs also are available. A list of accredited programs is available from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, part of the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Associate’s degree programs generally require 2 years of full-time study and include coursework in subjects such as anatomy, psychology, and kinesiology. In addition to taking coursework, occupational therapy assistants must complete several months of fieldwork to gain hands-on work experience.

Occupational therapy aides typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. They are trained on the job under the supervision of experienced assistants or aides. Training may last several days or a few weeks and covers a number of topics, including therapy equipment setup and infection control procedures.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Occupational therapy assistants usually need a state-issued license. Licensure requires completing an accredited occupational therapy assistant education program, fieldwork, and passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Some states have additional requirements, such as a background check.

Occupational therapy assistants must pass the NBCOT exam to use the title “Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant” (COTA). They also need continuing education to maintain their certification.

Other credentials for occupational therapy assistants are available, such as those offered by the American Occupational Therapy Association. Optional certifications may demonstrate that an assistant has particular knowledge, skills, or abilities in a specialized area of practice, such as low vision.

Occupational therapy aides typically are not regulated by state law.

Both occupational therapy assistants and aides may need certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic life support (BLS).

Advancement

With additional education and licensure, occupational therapy aides may advance to become occupational therapy assistants or occupational therapists. Occupational therapy assistants may advance by gaining additional education and becoming occupational therapists.

Important Qualities

Adaptability. Occupational therapy assistants must be flexible when treating clients. Because not every type of therapy helps clients achieve their goals, assistants may need to work creatively with occupational therapists in their approach.

Compassion. Occupational therapy assistants and aides frequently help clients who feel frustrated by their challenges. Assistants and aides should be encouraging and empathetic in working with these clients.

Detail oriented. Occupational therapy assistants and aides must be precise in following the occupational therapist’s instructions, both written and spoken. They also must be attentive in recording client progress or completing paperwork.

Interpersonal skills. Occupational therapy assistants and aides should be friendly and courteous in their interactions with clients. They also must be professional and able to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Physical stamina. Occupational assistants and aides spend long periods of time standing. Frequent kneeling and stooping also are part of the job.

Physical strength. Occupational assistants and aides must be moderately strong to do tasks requiring physical exertion, such as lifting and moving clients.

Pay About this section

Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides

Median annual wages, May 2023

Occupational therapy assistants

$67,010

Occupational therapy assistants and aides

$65,450

Occupational therapy and physical therapist assistants and aides

$60,830

Total, all occupations

$48,060

Occupational therapy aides

$36,970

 

The median annual wage for occupational therapy aides was $36,970 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,150, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $68,720.

The median annual wage for occupational therapy assistants was $67,010 in May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $48,670, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $89,230.

In May 2023, the median annual wages for occupational therapy aides in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities) $53,360
Hospitals; state, local, and private 38,330
Offices of other health practitioners 34,160

In May 2023, the median annual wages for occupational therapy assistants in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Home healthcare services $75,780
Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities) 74,880
Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists 65,200
Hospitals; state, local, and private 64,580
Educational services; state, local, and private 61,110

Most occupational therapy assistants and aides work full time, but part-time work is common. Their schedules may include work in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate clients’ schedules.

Job Outlook About this section

Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides

Percent change in employment, projected 2023-33

Occupational therapy assistants

22%

Occupational therapy assistants and aides

21%

Occupational therapy and physical therapist assistants and aides

19%

Occupational therapy aides

4%

Total, all occupations

4%

 

Overall employment of occupational therapy assistants and aides is projected to grow 21 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 7,800 openings for occupational therapy assistants and aides are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Demand for occupational therapy is likely to grow over the decade in response to the healthcare needs of an aging population.

Older adults are more prone than young people to conditions and ailments, such as arthritis and strokes, that may affect the ability to do everyday activities. Occupational therapy assistants and aides will be needed to help occupational therapists in caring for these patients. Occupational therapy also will continue to be used in treating children and young adults with developmental disorders, such as autism.

Healthcare providers, especially those specializing in long-term care, will continue to employ occupational therapy assistants to reduce the cost of occupational therapy services. However, restrictions in insurance reimbursement for services provided by occupational therapy aides may constrain demand for this occupation.

Employment projections data for occupational therapy assistants and aides, 2023-33
Occupational Title SOC Code Employment, 2023 Projected Employment, 2033 Change, 2023-33 Employment by Industry
Percent Numeric

SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

Occupational therapy assistants and aides

31-2010 52,100 62,900 21 10,800 Get data

Occupational therapy assistants

31-2011 47,500 58,100 22 10,600 Get data

Occupational therapy aides

31-2012 4,600 4,800 4 200 Get data

State & Area Data About this section

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area.

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.org. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

Similar Occupations About this section

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of occupational therapy assistants and aides.

Occupation Job Duties ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION Help on Entry-Level Education 2023 MEDIAN PAY Help on Median Pay
Dental assistants Dental Assistants

Dental assistants provide patient care, take x rays, keep records, and schedule appointments.

Postsecondary nondegree award $46,540
home health aides image Home Health and Personal Care Aides

Home health and personal care aides monitor the condition of people with disabilities or chronic illnesses and help them with daily living activities.

High school diploma or equivalent $33,530
Medical assistants Medical Assistants

Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks, such as scheduling appointments and taking patients’ vital signs.

Postsecondary nondegree award $42,000
Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants Nursing Assistants and Orderlies

Nursing assistants provide basic care and help patients with activities of daily living. Orderlies transport patients and clean treatment areas.

See How to Become One $38,130
Occupational therapists Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapists evaluate and treat people who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities to help them with vocational, daily living, and other skills that promote independence.

Master's degree $96,370
Pharmacy technicians Pharmacy Technicians

Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals.

High school diploma or equivalent $40,300
Physical therapist assistants and aides Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides

Physical therapist assistants and aides are supervised by physical therapists to help patients regain movement and manage pain after injuries and illnesses.

See How to Become One $58,740
Psychiatric technicians and aides Psychiatric Technicians and Aides

Psychiatric technicians and aides care for people who have mental conditions or developmental disabilities.

See How to Become One $39,610

Contacts for More Information About this section

For more information about occupational therapy assistants or aides, visit

American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.

For more information about accredited occupational therapy programs, visit

Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)

For more information about certification for occupational therapy assistants, visit

National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy

O*NET

Occupational Therapy Aides

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Suggested citation:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapy-assistants-and-aides.htm (visited November 29, 2024).

Last Modified Date: Thursday, August 29, 2024

What They Do

The What They Do tab describes the typical duties and responsibilities of workers in the occupation, including what tools and equipment they use and how closely they are supervised. This tab also covers different types of occupational specialties.

Work Environment

The Work Environment tab includes the number of jobs held in the occupation and describes the workplace, the level of physical activity expected, and typical hours worked. It may also discuss the major industries that employed the occupation. This tab may also describe opportunities for part-time work, the amount and type of travel required, any safety equipment that is used, and the risk of injury that workers may face.

How to Become One

The How to Become One tab describes how to prepare for a job in the occupation. This tab can include information on education, training, work experience, licensing and certification, and important qualities that are required or helpful for entering or working in the occupation.

Pay

The Pay tab describes typical earnings and how workers in the occupation are compensated—annual salaries, hourly wages, commissions, tips, or bonuses. Within every occupation, earnings vary by experience, responsibility, performance, tenure, and geographic area. For most profiles, this tab has a table with wages in the major industries employing the occupation. It does not include pay for self-employed workers, agriculture workers, or workers in private households because these data are not collected by the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, the source of BLS wage data in the OOH.

State & Area Data

The State and Area Data tab provides links to state and area occupational data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, state projections data from Projections Central, and occupational information from the Department of Labor's CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The Job Outlook tab describes the factors that affect employment growth or decline in the occupation, and in some instances, describes the relationship between the number of job seekers and the number of job openings.

Similar Occupations

The Similar Occupations tab describes occupations that share similar duties, skills, interests, education, or training with the occupation covered in the profile.

Contacts for More Information

The More Information tab provides the Internet addresses of associations, government agencies, unions, and other organizations that can provide additional information on the occupation. This tab also includes links to relevant occupational information from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).

2023 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2023, the median annual wage for all workers was $48,060.

On-the-job Training

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

Work experience in a related occupation

Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education.

Number of Jobs, 2023

The employment, or size, of this occupation in 2023, which is the base year of the 2023-33 employment projections.

Job Outlook, 2023-33

The projected percent change in employment from 2023 to 2033. The average growth rate for all occupations is 4 percent.

Employment Change, 2023-33

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

On-the-job Training

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Employment Change, projected 2023-33

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

Growth Rate (Projected)

The percent change of employment for each occupation from 2023 to 2033.

Projected Number of New Jobs

The projected numeric change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

Projected Growth Rate

The projected percent change in employment from 2023 to 2033.

2023 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2023, the median annual wage for all workers was $48,060.