Occupational Therapy Aides Salary 2025: $39,160 Median, $70K Top Pay & Career Outlook
Occupational Therapy Aides earned a median salary of $39,160 in 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean annual wage is $44,110, roughly $19 per hour. Most aides make between $29,430 (10th percentile) and $70,200 (90th percentile).
How much Occupational Therapy Aides earn
The typical entry-level aide starts around $29,430 annually, while experienced aides in the top 10% earn $70,200 or more. The median of $39,160 means half earn more and half less. This is a small occupation — only about 4,310 aides work nationwide — so pay can vary widely by setting and location.
Aides in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities often earn more than those in schools or outpatient clinics. The mean hourly wage of $19.21 reflects the median experience level.
- Median annual wage: $39,160
- Mean annual wage: $44,110 ($21.20/hour)
- 10th percentile: $29,430
- 90th percentile: $70,200
Pay by state
Where you work matters. North Carolina tops the list with an average annual wage of $66,190 for Occupational Therapy Aides — nearly 70% above the national mean. Other high-paying states include New York ($46,220), Washington ($45,890), Nebraska ($44,980), and Connecticut ($44,840).
At the low end, aides in Mississippi earn $24,300 on average, followed by Tennessee ($27,840) and Louisiana ($28,560). Cost-of-living differences partly explain the spread, but so do state-by-state demand and the types of facilities employing aides.
How to become an Occupational Therapy Aide
Most Occupational Therapy Aides need a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers provide on-the-job training lasting a few weeks to a few months. Unlike Occupational Therapy Assistants, aides do not require an associate degree or formal certification.
A typical path: earn a high school diploma, apply to rehabilitation clinics, hospitals, or nursing homes, and learn tasks like preparing treatment areas, cleaning equipment, setting up supplies, and helping patients with exercises under an OT’s direction. Some employers prefer candidates with basic first aid or CPR certification.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent (no degree required)
- Training: On-the-job training (typically a few weeks)
- Licensing/Certification: None nationally; some states may have minimal requirements
- Key skills: Physical stamina, attention to detail, interpersonal skills
- Typical entry: Direct hire into an aide role
Job outlook
Employment of Occupational Therapy Aides is projected to grow 2.5% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The BLS estimates about 600 job openings per year nationwide over that decade. Most openings stem from workers leaving the occupation or retiring.
Growth is tied to demand for occupational therapy services as the population ages. But automation and the shift to using more Occupational Therapy Assistants (who require an associate degree) may temper aide job growth. Still, aides remain a low-barrier entry point into the therapy field.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for an Occupational Therapy Aide in 2025?
The national median salary is $39,160 per year, with a mean of $44,110. The typical range falls between $29,430 and $70,200.
Do you need a degree to become an Occupational Therapy Aide?
No. A high school diploma is sufficient. Most training is provided on the job.
Is occupational therapy aide a growing career?
Moderately. The BLS projects 2.5% growth from 2024 to 2034, with about 600 openings per year.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Occupational Therapy Aides data.