Occupational Therapy Aides Salary in U.S. (2024)
Occupational Therapy Aides in U.S. make a median of $37,370 a year, or about $17.97 an hour. The range runs from $28K at the entry level to $66K for experienced workers.
Updated
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
So what does $37K get you in U.S.?
About occupational therapy aides
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level occupational therapy aides (10th percentile) start around $28K. Mid-career wages sit at $37K.Top earners bring in $66K or more - a $38K spread from bottom to top.
Occupational Therapy Aides pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $73K | +97% | 200 |
| Florida | $71K | +89% | 40 |
| New Mexico | $68K | +82% | 70 |
| Nevada | $62K | +66% | N/A |
| Nebraska | $44K | +17% | 40 |
| New York | $42K | +13% | 230 |
| Virginia | $41K | +9% | 50 |
| New Jersey | $41K | +9% | N/A |
| Wisconsin | $40K | +8% | 110 |
| Massachusetts | $39K | +4% | 260 |
| California | $38K | +3% | 560 |
| Missouri | $38K | +3% | 140 |
| District of Columbia | $38K | +2% | N/A |
| Georgia | $38K | +0% | 130 |
| Michigan | $37K | -0% | 50 |
Track occupational therapy aides salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
Related careers in Healthcare Support
Frequently asked questions
How much do occupational therapy aides make in U.S.?
The median is $37,370 a year - that works out to about $17.97 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $27,970, and experienced occupational therapy aides can clear $65,580. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $37K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,672/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 52.8% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a occupational therapy aides salary go in U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median occupational therapy aides salary is worth about $37,370 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do occupational therapy aides get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.