How Much Do Occupational Therapy Aides Make?

Occupational therapy aides in the United States earn an average annual salary of $42,060, according to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With 4,430 professionals employed in this role nationwide, occupational therapy aides play a vital supporting role in the health care industry.

These dedicated professionals work alongside occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to help patients improve their ability to perform daily tasks and live more independently. Occupational therapy aides typically prepare treatment areas, transport patients, and handle clerical duties to ensure smooth operations in therapy settings. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the world of occupational therapy aides, exploring how salaries and job opportunities vary across different regions of the country. We'll also compare this profession to similar roles in the health care field, providing valuable insights for those considering a career in occupational therapy support or looking to understand the earning potential in this rewarding field.  

Highest Paying States for Occupational Therapy Aides

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Occupational therapy aides can find the highest salaries in several states across the United States. The data highlights the top-paying states for this occupation, providing insight into potential opportunities for those looking to maximize their earnings in this field:

• Illinois leads the list with an impressive average annual salary of $69,670, equating to an hourly wage of $33.49. However, employment opportunities are limited, with only 60 positions reported.
• Washington follows closely, offering an average annual salary of $66,440 and an hourly wage of $31.94, but with even fewer positions available at 40.
• North Carolina and New Mexico also rank high, with average annual salaries of $62,030 and $57,580, respectively. North Carolina boasts a higher employment figure of 170 positions, while New Mexico has 90.

In contrast, while states like New York and Pennsylvania offer salaries below the top tier at $49,750 and $45,950, they provide more employment opportunities with 160 and 180 positions, respectively. For individuals prioritizing job availability over salary, states such as California and Massachusetts present the most opportunities, employing 800 and 320 aides, respectively, albeit at lower pay scales. This data underscores the importance of balancing salary expectations with employment availability when considering relocation for a career in occupational therapy assistance.  
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Comparing Salaries in Therapy Support Careers

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When looking at the salaries of therapy support careers, it's clear that different roles come with varying pay levels. Occupational therapy aides, who help with tasks like preparing treatment areas and equipment, have an average annual salary of $42,060, which translates to about $20.22 per hour. There are around 4,430 people employed in this role.

Physical therapist assistants, on the other hand, earn significantly more, with an average annual salary of $65,860, or roughly $31.66 per hour. This higher pay reflects their advanced responsibilities, such as directly assisting physical therapists in patient care. This field has a much larger workforce, with about 104,000 employed. In contrast, physical therapist aides, who perform more basic support tasks, earn about $34,810 annually or $16.74 per hour, with 42,390 people working in this occupation. These differences in salaries and employment numbers highlight the varying levels of expertise and responsibilities required in these therapy support roles.  

Bottom Line

Occupational therapy aides play a critical role in the health care industry, supporting occupational therapists and assistants to help patients lead more independent lives. With an average annual salary of $42,060, these professionals are essential in facilitating smooth operations within therapy settings. Throughout the United States, occupational therapy aides can expect varying salaries and job opportunities, highlighting the importance of understanding regional differences when considering this career path.

• Top-Paying States: Illinois offers the highest average salary at $69,670, followed by Washington and North Carolina, although job availability in these states is limited.

• Employment Opportunities: States like California and Massachusetts provide the most job opportunities, despite offering lower salaries compared to top-paying states.

• Comparison with Other Roles: Occupational therapy aides earn less than physical therapist assistants, who have more advanced responsibilities and earn an average of $65,860 annually. However, they earn more than physical therapist aides, who make $34,810 on average.

These insights can guide individuals interested in pursuing a career as an occupational therapy aide, helping them weigh the balance of salary expectations and job availability across different states.