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How much does a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant make?

The average salary for a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant is $73,981 per year in the US.

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants play a vital role in healthcare. They help patients regain skills needed for daily life. Their work is rewarding and impactful. These professionals earn a competitive salary. The average yearly salary for this role is around $73,981. This means many earn a solid income.

Salary can vary based on experience and location. Assistants in cities often earn more. Those with extra certifications might also see higher pay. The lowest-paid 10 percent earn about $51,520. The top 10 percent earn more than $121,000 a year. This range shows there is good earning potential in this field.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Job seekers aiming for high pay in occupational therapy assistance should look at Yuma, Arizona. It offers the highest average salary among the listed cities. Yuma’s strong demand for skilled professionals helps push wages up. California cities like San Francisco and San Jose also offer competitive salaries, showing a high need for therapy assistants in those areas.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs, highlighting Yuma, AZ with the highest at $100,178 and Bakersfield, CA with the lowest at $82,900.
  1. Yuma, AZ
    Average Salary: $100,178
    Yuma offers a warm climate and a smaller community feel for those who love a more intimate work environment. You can find opportunities with local healthcare providers, rehabilitation centers, and specialized care facilities. Yuma Regional Medical Center is a prominent employer.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Yuma, AZ


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $99,186
    In San Francisco, you can expect to work in a dynamic and culturally rich environment. The city's numerous hospitals and clinics offer diverse opportunities. UCSF Health and Kaiser Permanente provide excellent platforms for professional growth.
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  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $91,947
    San Jose is a tech hub with a growing need for healthcare services. It’s a great place for those looking to balance work and lifestyle. Local facilities like Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente offer strong career prospects.
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  4. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $91,570
    Salinas offers a more laid-back work environment with a strong sense of community. Hospitals like Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System provide valuable experience. The agricultural setting adds a unique aspect to your work.
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  5. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $90,319
    Stockton provides a blend of urban and rural settings, offering a mix of work environments. Local employers such as Kaiser Permanente and St. Joseph's Medical Center provide solid opportunities for career advancement.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Stockton, CA


  6. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $88,733
    Modesto is a growing city with a welcoming atmosphere. It has several healthcare facilities like Doctors Medical Center and Memorial Medical Center. These institutions provide a supportive environment for professional development.
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  7. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $88,351
    Sacramento, the state capital, offers many opportunities in large healthcare systems and government institutions. UC Davis Health and Kaiser Permanente are key employers. It’s a city that values healthcare professionals highly.
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  8. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $88,100
    Santa Rosa is known for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant community. Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente offer excellent working conditions. The city provides a balanced lifestyle with many outdoor activities nearby.
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  9. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $84,044
    Vallejo offers a unique work environment with both city and bay area proximity. Local employers like Kaiser Permanente and Northern California Behavioral Health System provide great opportunities. The diverse culture adds to the job experience.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Vallejo, CA


  10. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $82,900
    Bakersfield provides a warm, welcoming environment with a strong focus on healthcare. Local hospitals like Kern Medical and Kaiser Permanente offer solid career paths. The city's growth provides many opportunities for professional development.
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What are the best companies a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant can work for?

Job seekers in search of top-paying Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) roles should consider companies like Arizona Autism and Achieve Beyond. These companies lead in offering competitive salaries, providing rewarding opportunities for professionals in this field. Companies like OMNI Therapy, Inc. and Places You'll Go Therapy also stand out with their attractive compensation packages, making them solid choices for career advancement.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs, highlighting Arizona Autism with the highest at $138,091 and Personal Touch Home Care with the lowest at $110,500.
  1. Arizona Autism
    Average Salary: $138,091
    Arizona Autism offers Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA) the chance to work with children with autism across Arizona. This company provides a supportive work environment that values teamwork and professional growth. Locations include Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa.


  2. Achieve Beyond
    Average Salary: $131,465
    Achieve Beyond employs COTAs in a variety of settings, including schools and clinics. They are committed to providing quality care and support for their clients. The company has offices in several states, including New York and California.


  3. OMNI Therapy, Inc.
    Average Salary: $128,412
    OMNI Therapy, Inc. hires COTAs to work with individuals of all ages. They offer competitive salaries and opportunities for professional development. Their services span across Texas and Florida.


  4. Places You'll Go Therapy
    Average Salary: $126,266
    Places You'll Go Therapy provides COTAs with the chance to work in both clinical and community settings. The company focuses on personalized care and is based in several cities in Ohio.


  5. Connect Plus Therapy
    Average Salary: $125,000
    Connect Plus Therapy hires COTAs to work with a diverse client base. They offer a collaborative work environment and have locations in several states, including Illinois and Pennsylvania.


  6. A-List Therapy Group
    Average Salary: $123,409
    A-List Therapy Group offers COTAs the opportunity to work in schools, clinics, and homes. They emphasize professional growth and support. The company operates in multiple states, including Florida and New Jersey.


  7. Vitality Rehab Services
    Average Salary: $116,667
    Vitality Rehab Services provides COTAs with a chance to work in both inpatient and outpatient settings. They focus on providing quality care and have locations in New York and California.


  8. AxiomHealth Management
    Average Salary: $111,000
    AxiomHealth Management employs COTAs to work with patients in various settings. They provide a supportive work environment and are based in California and Arizona.


  9. Frontpoint Health
    Average Salary: $110,625
    Frontpoint Health hires COTAs to work in both clinical and home settings. They focus on providing personalized care and have locations in several states, including Florida and New York.


  10. Personal Touch Home Care
    Average Salary: $110,500
    Personal Touch Home Care offers COTAs the opportunity to work in home-based settings. They emphasize personalized care and support. The company operates in several states, including Illinois and Michigan.

How to earn more as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant?

To increase earnings as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), consider focusing on these key areas. Specialization can lead to higher pay. By gaining expertise in areas like pediatrics, geriatrics, or neurology, a COTA can command a higher salary. Continuing education and certifications can also boost earning potential. These additional qualifications can make a COTA more attractive to employers willing to pay a premium.

Gaining more experience is another way to earn more. Working in high-demand areas or with underserved populations can lead to opportunities for higher pay. For example, rural locations or urban centers with a shortage of healthcare professionals often offer higher wages. Networking within the industry can uncover these opportunities. Building relationships with other professionals and attending industry events can lead to job offers that pay more. Lastly, considering a career change can also increase earnings. Moving into roles with greater responsibility, such as a supervisory position, can lead to significant salary increases.

Investing in further education and certifications can also lead to higher pay. Some COTAs choose to become occupational therapists by completing additional schooling. This career shift can result in a much higher salary. Another option is to seek out roles in specialized settings, such as private practices or schools. These settings often offer competitive pay for experienced COTAs. Below are some factors that can help a COTA earn more:

  1. Specialization in high-demand areas
  2. Pursuing additional certifications
  3. Gaining more experience
  4. Considering career changes
  5. Seeking roles in specialized settings

Currently 1,428 Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant in the US?

Learn what a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant today.
Position
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Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
1,428 Job Openings