Occupational Therapy Assistants
O*NET 31-2011.00 · SOC 31-2011
Occupational Therapy Assistant is a strong career choice. Median pay is $72k a year with +21.5% projected growth through 2035 (much faster than average) and about 8,100 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Lead patients through therapeutic exercises to improve daily functioning
- →Teach patients adaptive techniques for dressing and cooking
- →Record patient progress and report findings to supervising therapist
- →Set up and use therapeutic equipment during treatment sessions
- →Help patients practice fine motor skills using hand exercises
Education & How to Get In
Most Occupational Therapy Assistant 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 Assistant involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Occupational Therapy Assistant?
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 Assistant Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Occupational Therapy Assistants is projected to grow 21.5% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·42% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
- ·Strong projected growth suggests AI-complementary demand
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 Assistant make?
The median Occupational Therapy Assistant earns $72k 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 Assistant jobs?
Our model puts Occupational Therapy Assistant at 16 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 42% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; industry sector with low automation exposure.
Is Occupational Therapy Assistant a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 21.5% between 2025 and 2035, which is much faster than average. That works out to roughly 8,100 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Occupational Therapy Assistant?
Most Occupational Therapy Assistant 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 Assistant?
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 Assistant career right for you?
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