Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary and Top Paying States
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Occupational therapy assistants in the United States earn an average annual salary of $68,170, according to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With over 46,000 professionals employed in this role nationwide, occupational therapy assistance continues to be a rewarding and growing career in the health care field.
These dedicated professionals play a vital role in helping patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. Occupational therapy assistants work under the supervision of occupational therapists to implement treatment plans and assist patients with therapeutic activities. In this article, we'll dive deeper into the world of occupational therapy assistance, exploring how salaries and employment opportunities vary across different states and metropolitan areas. We'll also compare this profession to similar roles in the health care industry, providing valuable insights for those considering a career in occupational therapy or looking to advance their current position.
Highest Paying States for Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational therapy assistants can find some of the highest salaries in states across various regions of the United States. According to the latest data, California leads with an average annual salary of $79,560 and an hourly wage of $38.25, employing 2,760 individuals in this role. Following closely are Washington and New Jersey, offering average annual salaries of $76,300 and $75,770, respectively. These states not only provide competitive wages but also have a significant demand for occupational therapy assistants.
Other states offering attractive salaries include:
- Maryland: $75,450 annual mean salary, with 830 employed.
- Arkansas: $75,290 annual mean salary, employing 480.
- Nevada: $74,810 annual mean salary, with a smaller employment figure of 250.
These states demonstrate a robust market for occupational therapy assistants, with salaries reflecting both the cost of living and the demand for health care services. Texas, although ranking lower in salary with an average of $73,690, employs the highest number of occupational therapy assistants at 6,080, indicating significant opportunities for employment.
Comparing Salaries of Therapy Professionals
When looking at the salaries of therapy professionals, there are noticeable differences among physical therapist assistants, occupational therapy assistants, and occupational therapists. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapist assistants earn an average annual salary of $65,860, which translates to an hourly wage of $31.66. There are about 104,000 people employed in this role.
On the other hand, occupational therapy assistants earn a bit more, with an average annual salary of $68,170 and an hourly wage of $32.78. The total number of people employed in this position is 46,090, which is less than half of the physical therapist assistants. Occupational therapists, who typically have more advanced qualifications, earn significantly more with an average annual salary of $96,790 and an hourly wage of $46.54. There are 144,840 occupational therapists employed, making this the most populated group among the three.
Bottom Line
Choosing a career as an occupational therapy assistant offers promising prospects within the health care industry. With an average annual salary of $68,170, these professionals earn slightly more than their counterparts in physical therapy assistance and have ample opportunities for employment across the nation. Here are key takeaways for aspiring occupational therapy assistants:
Overall, pursuing a career as an occupational therapy assistant not only provides a rewarding path that contributes to patient care but also offers competitive salaries and numerous job opportunities across various states.