Occupational Therapy Aides
Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed
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.
Median pay: $39,160/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +2.5% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Encourage patients and attend to their physical needs to facilitate the attainment of therapeutic goals.
• Report to supervisors or therapists, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, attendance, and accomplishments.
• Observe patients' attendance, progress, attitudes, and accomplishments and record and maintain information in client records.
• Prepare and maintain work area, materials, and equipment and maintain inventory of treatment and educational supplies.
• Transport patients to and from the occupational therapy work area.
• Instruct patients and families in work, social, and living skills, the care and use of adaptive equipment, and other skills to facilitate home and work adjustment to disability.
• Assist occupational therapists in planning, implementing, and administering therapy programs to restore, reinforce, and enhance performance, using selected activities and special equipment.
• Demonstrate therapy techniques, such as manual and creative arts and games.
What's the median pay for Occupational Therapy Aides?
The median pay for Occupational Therapy Aides is $39,160 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Occupational Therapy Aides?
Employment for Occupational Therapy Aides is projected to change +2.5% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Occupational Therapy Aides?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Occupational Therapy Aides?
About 600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.