In short
Occupational therapy assistants usually need an associate degree from an ACOTE-accredited program and must pass the NBCOT exam to become a COTA; states regulate the job. They earned a median of $72,300 in May 2025, and BLS projects 21.5% growth from 2025 to 2035.
| Median pay | $72,300 a year, about $34.76 an hour (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| Typical way in | Associate degree |
| Jobs in the U.S. | About 52,200 (2025) |
| Outlook, 2025 to 2035 | Projected growth of 21.5% |
| Openings each year | About 8,100 on average, including replacements |
| Credential | COTA through the NBCOT exam |
| Where they work | Therapy offices, hospitals, schools, nursing homes |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025 to 2035 and May 2025 wages, BLS. National figures; pay where you live can be higher or lower, and starting pay is lower than the median.
The work
You carry out treatment plans an occupational therapist designs: practicing buttoning a shirt with a stroke survivor, adapting a child's classroom tools, or setting up a kitchen so an older adult can cook safely. You track progress and adjust activities.
OTA vs PTA
Physical therapy assistants focus on movement and strength; occupational therapy assistants focus on daily tasks and independence. Both are fast-growing two-year paths.
Questions people ask
How long is OTA school?
About two years, including fieldwork.
Do OTAs need a license?
Most states regulate OTAs, usually requiring the NBCOT exam.
Where do OTAs earn the most?
Pay varies by setting; home health and nursing care often pay more than schools.