OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANTS’ EARNING POTENTIAL
REWARDING WORK WITH JOBS ALWAYS GUARANTEED
Occupational therapy is a tough but extremely rewarding profession. It is considered one of the most fulfilling and flexible careers in health care, with most occupational therapy practitioners choosing this profession as they are passionate about helping people lead better and more productive lives.
Occupational therapy is a growing healthcare field in the United States with employment opportunities expected to steadily increase. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS- https://www.bls.gov/) place Occupational therapy assistants (OTA) among their list of the fastest-growing occupations and predict much faster than average growth (36% or more) for OTAs in the next decades. As there is already
a shortage of OTAs in the USA, you will always have work and it’s highly unlikely that you can easily be replaced by AI. After all, you are part of a profession that is client centered, and your intervention is based purely on each individual’s specific needs, goals and preferred occupations.
SALARIES
Let’s be honest, OTAs do not earn as much as other professionals but how many professionals end their work day knowing that they have honestly helped another person heal, gain function, and reach their potential.
According to the BLS, the median annual wage for occupational therapy assistants was $67,010 in May 2023.
This as an average salary that will increase as you gain experience.
There are other factors that also determine your salary such as:
- Location: Some cities have higher average salaries than others.
- Skill level: OTAs with higher skill levels may earn more.
This map highlights the median annual salaries for Occupational Therapy Assistants by state, showcasing the regional opportunities and earning potential in this rewarding healthcare field.
DIVERSE PLACES TO WORK
The United States of America offers exceptional opportunities for occupational therapy practitioners due
to the high demand for their specialized expertise. OTAs who become certified, will be able to choose in which setting and with which population they would prefer to work.
Work places include:
- Hospitals
- Skilled and intermediate care facilities
- Rehabilitation Hospitals and Centers
- Mental health facilities
- Senior Living Communities
- Senior day programs
- Home Health
- Early intervention programs
- School settings
- Community wellness centers
- Hand therapy clinics
- Non-clinical settings assuming roles such an educator
OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPLORE THE USA
If you are interested in seeing the country, travel occupational therapy can be lucrative as well as rewarding.
If you’re ready to boost your score on the NBCOT® exam, we invite you to contact Pass the OT today for more information.
