Occupational Therapy Aides
O*NET 31-2012.00 · SOC 31-2012
Occupational Therapy Aide is a solid career choice. Median pay is $39k a year with +3.6% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 600 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Clean and organize occupational therapy treatment areas and equipment
- →Prepare therapy materials and supplies before patient sessions
- →Transport patients to and from occupational therapy departments
- →Maintain and restock adaptive equipment used in therapy sessions
- →Schedule patient appointments under direction of occupational therapist
Education & How to Get In
Most Occupational Therapy Aide positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Occupational Therapy Aide involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Occupational Therapy Aide?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Occupational Therapy Aide Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Occupational Therapy Aides is projected to grow 3.6% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·44% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Occupational Therapy Aide make?
The median Occupational Therapy Aide earns $39k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Occupational Therapy Aide jobs?
Our model puts Occupational Therapy Aide at 22 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 44% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; industry sector with low automation exposure.
Is Occupational Therapy Aide a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 3.6% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 600 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Occupational Therapy Aide?
Most Occupational Therapy Aide roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become an Occupational Therapy Aide?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Occupational Therapy Aide career right for you?
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