Median pay
$68,340
Median annual pay for Occupational Therapy Assistants.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Healthcare Support
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.
10-year growth
19.2%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings
7,200
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment
49,200
Estimated U.S. employment for Occupational Therapy Assistants in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost
+9,500
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation
Associate's degree
Typical education needed to enter Occupational Therapy Assistants.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile
What the work involves
Strongest O*NET signals first.
Essential skills
- 1Active Listening
- 2Speaking
- 3Reading Comprehension
- 4Critical Thinking
- 5Monitoring
- 6Active Learning
Knowledge areas
- 1Customer and Personal Service
- 2Psychology
- 3Education and Training
- 4English Language
- 5Therapy and Counseling
- 6Public Safety and Security
Abilities
- 1Oral Comprehension
- 2Oral Expression
- 3Problem Sensitivity
- 4Written Expression
- 5Written Comprehension
- 6Near Vision
Career interests
- 1Social
- 2Conventional
- 3Realistic
- 4Investigative
- 5Artistic
- 6Enterprising
Work styles
- 1Empathy
- 2Dependability
- 3Cooperation
- 4Attention to Detail
- 5Social Orientation
- 6Integrity
Work activities
- 1Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- 2Documenting/Recording Information
- 3Assisting and Caring for Others
- 4Thinking Creatively
- 5Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- 6Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Work context
- 1Exposed to Disease or Infections
- 2Contact With Others
- 3Physical Proximity
- 4Time Pressure
- 5Frequency of Decision Making
- 6Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
Representative tasks
- Instruct, or assist in instructing, patients and families in home programs, basic living skills, or the care and use of adaptive equipment.
- Maintain and promote a positive attitude toward clients and their treatment programs.
- Report to supervisors, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior.
- Implement, or assist occupational therapists with implementing, treatment plans designed to help clients function independently.
- Monitor patients' performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement.
- Observe and record patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior and maintain this information in client records.
- Select therapy activities to fit patients' needs and capabilities.
- Attend continuing education classes.
Software and tools
eClinicalWorks EHR software · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyFacebook · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologyBilling softwareScheduling softwareScreen reader software
Sources
BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.