Occupational Therapy Assistants vs Occupational Therapists salary

Based on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, on average, Occupational Therapy Assistants make $63,560 annually, while Occupational Therapists make $89,470 per year. As a result, Occupational Therapists earn a salary that is much higher than Occupational Therapy Assistants.

However, it's worth noting that salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the specific setting in which the employee works. As an example, Occupational Therapy Assistants who work in Nevada (with an average salary of $78,100) may earn more than those who work in South Dakota ($46,420). And Occupational Therapists in Nevada earn 53% more on average than those in North Dakota.

Occupational Therapy Assistants vs Occupational Therapists overview

Occupational Therapy Assistants and Occupational Therapists are two important jobs in the Health Care Services industry. There is a general interest in understanding the differences between these job titles, including the average earnings for each of them.

Occupational Therapy Assistant job description

Occupational Therapy Assistants 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.

Occupational Therapy Assistant education and experience

Becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant typically involves completing an Associate's Degree. However, among employees in this occupation, there are also some with a College Course Certificate (5%). In terms of experience, 39% of Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs require a 6 months to 1 year of experience in the field. A smaller percentage of jobs (30%) require no previous experience.

Occupational Therapy Assistant average salary

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 41,980 Occupational Therapy Assistants employed in the United States in 2021, and they earned a mean annual income of $63,560. The bottom 10 percent earned $46,810 or less, and the top 10 percent earned $80,210 or more. Compared to the previous year, the average salary is up by 0.2%.

Do Occupational Therapy Assistants make good money?

The average salary of Occupational Therapy Assistants is 9% higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260). However, they earn 10% less than the average wage of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).

The average salary of Occupational Therapy Assistants is 9% higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260).

Occupational Therapy Assistants job growth

There has been a decrease in the employment of Occupational Therapy Assistants in the last two years. In 2021, there have been 770 less positions than the previous year nationwide, which marks a decrease of 1.8%. Job growth has averaged -0.4% for the last 3 years.

Occupational Therapist job description

Occupational Therapists assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual’s environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual.

Occupational Therapist education and experience

Becoming an Occupational Therapist typically involves obtaining a Master's Degree. But additionally, among employees with this job title, there are also some with a Bachelor's Degree (14%). In terms of experience, 36% of Occupational Therapist occupations require a 6 months to 1 year of previous experience working in the field. A smaller portion of roles (27%) require no previous experience.

Occupational Therapist average salary

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 127,830 Occupational Therapists employed in the United States in 2021, and they earned an average annual income of $89,470. The bottom 10 percent earned $60,680 or less, and the top 10 percent earned $123,840 or more. Compared to the previous year, the mean salary has increased by 2.3%.

Do Occupational Therapists make good money?

Occupational Therapists typically make good salaries, since their mean salary is about a half above the average pay in the United States ($58,260). Additionally, they make 27% more than the mean salary of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).

Occupational Therapists typically make good salaries, since their mean salary is about a half above the average pay in the United States ($58,260).

FAQ

Do Occupational Therapy Assistants or Occupational Therapists make more?

Occupational Therapists earn 41% more than Occupational Therapy Assistants. The average annual pay for Occupational Therapy Assistants is $63,560, compared to $89,470 for Occupational Therapists.

How long does it take to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant vs Occupational Therapist?

Becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant typically requires an Associate's Degree. Obtaining an Associate's Degree usually takes around 2 years of study. In contrast, becoming an Occupational Therapist typically requires a Master's Degree. Obtaining a Master's Degree usually takes between 2 years and 3 years of study. However, if we consider that a Bachelor's Degree is required beforehand, the full education may take around 7 years to complete.

Is it harder to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant vs Occupational Therapist?

Becoming an Occupational Therapist is much more difficult than becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant, since it takes 5 more years of education.