Occupational Therapy Aide Salary
Occupational Therapy Aides earn a median $39,160 a year nationally. Healthcare Support Occupations
What occupational therapy aides do
Under close supervision of an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing patient and treatment room.
- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +3.6% (about average)
- Openings per year
- 600
Employment of occupational therapy aides is projected to grow 3.6% from 2025 to 2035, about the same as the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 600 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Occupational Therapy Aide take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$2,519
- Social Security (6.2%)$2,428
- Medicare (1.45%)$568
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$33,645
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $29,430 | $14.15 | $25,827 |
| 25th percentile | $35,920 | $17.27 | $31,042 |
| Median (50th) | $39,160 | $18.83 | $33,645 |
| 75th percentile | $46,780 | $22.49 | $39,768 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $70,200 | $33.75 | $58,216 |
Occupational Therapy Aide salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $66,190 | −9.9% | $53,231 | $29,570 – $77,980 | 250 |
| New York | $46,220 | +9.7% | $37,419 | $32,610 – $61,370 | 250 |
| Washington | $45,890 | — | $39,053 | $38,550 – $70,200 | 190 |
| Nebraska | $44,980 | +2.7% | $37,154 | $34,730 – $52,940 | 90 |
| Connecticut | $44,840 | — | $37,116 | $37,930 – $49,170 | 110 |
| New Jersey | $44,470 | +9.7% | $37,002 | $38,980 – $46,270 | — |
| California | $43,480 | +13.2% | $35,822 | $36,710 – $68,550 | 330 |
| New Mexico | $43,170 | −36.4% | $35,978 | $37,480 – $85,040 | 50 |
| Massachusetts | $40,160 | +3.8% | $32,661 | $35,340 – $53,540 | 90 |
| Colorado | $40,110 | −17.9% | $33,352 | $38,530 – $71,750 | 40 |
| District of Columbia | $39,620 | +3.7% | $32,803 | $39,610 – $45,840 | — |
| Michigan | $39,050 | +4.6% | $32,148 | $29,650 – $50,160 | 60 |
| Missouri | $38,890 | +1.3% | $32,538 | $31,540 – $47,210 | 110 |
| Indiana | $38,250 | +4.7% | $31,815 | $36,200 – $43,220 | — |
| Georgia | $38,090 | +1.4% | $31,431 | $33,700 – $47,160 | 200 |
| Texas | $37,180 | +0.1% | $32,054 | $22,100 – $77,230 | 410 |
| Pennsylvania | $37,100 | +2.7% | $30,851 | $34,420 – $68,230 | 320 |
| Wisconsin | $36,760 | −8.7% | $30,880 | $31,360 – $45,850 | 40 |
| Nevada | $36,440 | −41.1% | $31,460 | $34,690 – $63,790 | 100 |
| Ohio | $36,380 | +0.3% | $31,193 | $23,180 – $56,130 | 200 |
| Oklahoma | $34,670 | +4.7% | $29,023 | $31,810 – $52,520 | 90 |
| Maryland | $33,310 | — | $27,726 | $31,200 – $41,290 | — |
| Idaho | $32,590 | +32.2% | $27,747 | $23,500 – $46,110 | 120 |
| South Carolina | $31,950 | −6.3% | $27,092 | $18,290 – $82,800 | 50 |
| Louisiana | $28,560 | −4.9% | $24,657 | $23,070 – $77,200 | 70 |
| Tennessee | $27,840 | +2.7% | $24,536 | $25,700 – $40,090 | 40 |
| Mississippi | $24,300 | −10.8% | $21,381 | $21,770 – $30,780 | 50 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $72,300 | Associate's degree | +21.5% |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $35,240 | High school diploma or equivalent | +4.0% |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $68,380 | Associate's degree | +23.0% |
| Orderly | $38,290 | High school diploma or equivalent | +4.0% |
| Veterinary Assistant and Laboratory Animal Caretaker | $38,150 | High school diploma or equivalent | +9.1% |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $40,410 | Postsecondary nondegree award | -4.4% |
| Pharmacy Aide | $37,680 | High school diploma or equivalent | -0.7% |
| Nursing Assistant | $42,260 | Postsecondary nondegree award | +2.6% |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide | $35,800 | High school diploma or equivalent | +18.1% |
| Psychiatric Aide | $44,910 | High school diploma or equivalent | +1.9% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a occupational therapy aide make?
The national median salary for occupational therapy aides is $39,160 a year ($18.83 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $29,430 and the top 10% earn over $70,200. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays occupational therapy aides the most?
North Carolina has the highest median pay at $66,190.
How many occupational therapy aides are there in the U.S.?
About 4,310 people work as occupational therapy aides nationwide.