How much does a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant make?
A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) plays a vital role in helping patients recover from injuries and illnesses. This rewarding career offers a stable income. The average yearly salary for a COTA is around $70,740. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the type of healthcare facility.
The salary range for COTAs can be quite broad. At the lower end, some COTAs earn around $50,000 per year. As experience grows, the salary can increase significantly. The top earners in this field can make over $115,000 annually. Factors like working in a metropolitan area or a specialized clinic can also boost earnings. This career path offers good growth potential and job satisfaction.
What are the highest paying cities for a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant?
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $91,859
In Salinas, occupational therapy assistants work in various settings, including hospitals and clinics. Salinas offers a supportive environment with opportunities to grow. Local employers like Kaiser Permanente provide excellent career paths.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $89,862
San Diego offers a vibrant job market for occupational therapy assistants. Professionals here enjoy a mix of urban and beach lifestyles. Companies like Rady Children's Hospital provide dynamic work environments.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $89,837
San Jose is a tech hub, offering many opportunities for occupational therapy assistants. The city's diverse population creates a rich environment for learning and growth. Local employers like El Camino Hospital offer excellent career prospects.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $88,892
San Francisco provides a unique setting for occupational therapy assistants. The city's progressive environment supports innovative practices. Companies like UCSF Health offer cutting-edge opportunities.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $87,661
Stockton offers a welcoming environment for occupational therapy assistants. The city's growing healthcare sector provides many job opportunities. Local employers like St. Joseph's Medical Center offer stable careers.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $85,743
Vallejo provides a balanced lifestyle for occupational therapy assistants. The city's smaller size offers a close-knit community. Employers like Kaiser Permanente Vallejo offer supportive work environments.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $85,402
Los Angeles offers a dynamic job market for occupational therapy assistants. The city's diverse population creates a rich environment for learning. Companies like Cedars-Sinai provide excellent career paths.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $84,379
Modesto offers a supportive environment for occupational therapy assistants. The city's growing healthcare sector provides many job opportunities. Local employers like Memorial Medical Center offer stable careers.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $83,047
Sacramento provides a vibrant job market for occupational therapy assistants. The city's central location offers many opportunities. Companies like UC Davis Health offer excellent career prospects.
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Chico, CA
Average Salary: $81,549
Chico offers a welcoming environment for occupational therapy assistants. The city's smaller size offers a close-knit community. Employers like Enloe Medical Center provide supportive work environments.
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What are the best companies a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant can work for?
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Achieve Beyond Pediatric Therapy and Autism Services
Average Salary: $126,323
Achieve Beyond Pediatric Therapy and Autism Services offers rewarding Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs. They operate in various locations, providing specialized care for children with autism and other developmental needs. Their team focuses on creating personalized therapy plans to help children reach their full potential.
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Arizona Autism
Average Salary: $120,909
Arizona Autism provides Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs with a focus on autism care. They serve multiple locations across Arizona, offering a supportive environment for both therapists and clients. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism through dedicated therapy services.
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Advanced Home Health & Hospice, an Excelin Company
Average Salary: $115,000
Advanced Home Health & Hospice, an Excelin Company, offers Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs with competitive pay. They operate in several locations, providing home health and hospice care. Their team works to enhance the well-being of patients in the comfort of their homes, focusing on personalized care.
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Nurturing Home Health Care
Average Salary: $105,455
Nurturing Home Health Care offers Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs with a focus on home-based care. They serve various locations, providing compassionate care to patients in their homes. Their team aims to improve patients' quality of life through tailored therapy services.
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Powerback Rehabilitation
Average Salary: $104,025
Powerback Rehabilitation offers Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs with a strong emphasis on rehabilitation. They operate in multiple locations, providing comprehensive therapy services to help patients recover and regain their independence. Their team works closely with patients to achieve their rehabilitation goals.
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Nurse Next Door Home Care Services
Average Salary: $103,235
Nurse Next Door Home Care Services offers Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs with a focus on home care. They serve various locations, providing personalized care to patients in their homes. Their team aims to improve the quality of life for patients through dedicated therapy services.
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PROFESSIONAL POST ACUTE CENTER
Average Salary: $102,091
PROFESSIONAL POST ACUTE CENTER offers Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs with a focus on post-acute care. They operate in several locations, providing specialized care to patients recovering from illness or surgery. Their team works to enhance patients' recovery and well-being through tailored therapy services.
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CVHCare
Average Salary: $100,944
CVHCare offers Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs with a focus on comprehensive care. They serve multiple locations, providing a range of healthcare services to patients. Their team aims to improve patients' health and well-being through dedicated therapy services.
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Absolute Rehabilitation, Inc
Average Salary: $97,621
Absolute Rehabilitation, Inc offers Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs with a focus on rehabilitation. They operate in various locations, providing specialized care to patients recovering from injury or surgery. Their team works to enhance patients' recovery and well-being through tailored therapy services.
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FREMONT HEALTHCARE CENTER
Average Salary: $94,640
FREMONT HEALTHCARE CENTER offers Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs with a focus on long-term care. They serve multiple locations, providing comprehensive care to patients in need of ongoing support. Their team aims to improve patients' quality of life through dedicated therapy services.
How to earn more as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant?
A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) can explore various avenues to increase their earnings. One effective strategy involves gaining additional certifications that enhance skills and marketability. Specializations in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or mental health can open up higher-paying opportunities. Another factor is gaining experience in high-demand settings like schools, hospitals, or rehabilitation centers. These environments often offer competitive salaries and benefits.
Location also plays a significant role in determining a COTA's salary. Urban areas and regions with a shortage of healthcare professionals often provide higher wages. Networking with other professionals and attending industry conferences can lead to job opportunities that offer better pay. Lastly, pursuing a master's degree in occupational therapy can lead to higher-paying roles, such as occupational therapist positions. This advanced degree can significantly boost earning potential and career advancement.
Consider these factors to maximize earnings as a COTA:
- Obtain additional certifications
- Gain experience in high-demand settings
- Work in high-paying locations
- Network with industry professionals
- Pursue advanced degrees
