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Salary

How much does a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant make?

The average salary for a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant is $72,653 per year in the US.

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) play a vital role in helping patients recover and improve their daily living skills. They work alongside occupational therapists to provide care and rehabilitation services. The average yearly salary for a COTA is $72,653. This means most COTAs earn between $50,000 and $115,000 annually.

The salary can vary based on experience, location, and type of employer. For instance, those working in hospitals or outpatient care centers may earn more than those in nursing or residential care facilities. Also, those with more experience often see higher salaries. It's a rewarding career with good earning potential.

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

Salinas, California, stands out with the highest average salary for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants, offering $92,893 annually. This is closely followed by San Jose, where the average salary is $92,525. Job seekers can also find competitive salaries in San Francisco and San Diego, with averages of $91,506 and $89,456, respectively. Southern California provides another strong option, with Stockton and Modesto offering salaries of $88,340 and $85,878, respectively. Additionally, Yuma, Arizona, Los Angeles, Vallejo, and Sacramento provide solid opportunities, with average salaries ranging from $84,780 to $83,492. These cities offer a mix of high pay and vibrant communities, making them attractive choices for professionals in the field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs, highlighting Salinas, CA with the highest at $92,893 and Sacramento, CA with the lowest at $83,492.
  1. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $92,893
    Salinas offers a thriving community with many opportunities for occupational therapy assistants. Working here means you'll be part of a supportive environment with a range of local healthcare providers, including Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital. This city provides a great balance between professional growth and a high quality of life.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Salinas, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $92,525
    San Jose is a bustling city with numerous opportunities for occupational therapy assistants. Known for its tech industry, San Jose also has a strong healthcare sector. Companies like Kaiser Permanente and Stanford Health Care offer rewarding career paths. The city's vibrant culture and excellent schools make it a desirable place to work and live.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $91,506
    San Francisco is home to a dynamic healthcare system with many opportunities for occupational therapy assistants. Working in this city means you'll be among top-notch medical facilities like UCSF Health and San Francisco General Hospital. The diverse population and cultural richness add to the unique experience of working here.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  4. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $89,456
    San Diego offers a sunny climate and a variety of job opportunities for occupational therapy assistants. The city's healthcare facilities, including Scripps Health and UC San Diego Health, provide excellent career prospects. With beautiful beaches and a high quality of life, San Diego is a great place to both work and live.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA


  5. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $88,340
    Stockton provides a friendly community with many opportunities for occupational therapy assistants. The local healthcare sector, including St. Joseph's Medical Center, offers stable employment. This city's welcoming atmosphere and lower cost of living make it an attractive option for professionals.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Stockton, CA


  6. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $85,878
    Modesto is a growing city with a strong demand for occupational therapy assistants. The presence of hospitals like Doctors Medical Center offers promising career opportunities. This city's family-friendly environment and affordable living make it an appealing place to work and raise a family.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Modesto, CA


  7. Yuma, AZ
    Average Salary: $84,780
    Yuma, with its warm climate, is a great place for occupational therapy assistants. The city's healthcare facilities, including Yuma Regional Medical Center, provide good job prospects. The relaxed lifestyle and lower living costs make Yuma a favorable location for professionals.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Yuma, AZ


  8. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $84,573
    Los Angeles offers a vibrant and diverse environment for occupational therapy assistants. Major employers like Cedars-Sinai and Kaiser Permanente provide extensive career opportunities. The city's entertainment industry and cultural diversity make it an exciting place to work and live.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  9. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $84,130
    Vallejo provides a mix of urban and suburban living with several job opportunities for occupational therapy assistants. Local healthcare providers such as Kaiser Permanente Vallejo offer solid career prospects. The city's proximity to San Francisco and its relaxed atmosphere create a balanced work-life environment.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Vallejo, CA


  10. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $83,492
    Sacramento, the state capital, offers many opportunities for occupational therapy assistants. The city's healthcare facilities, including UC Davis Health, provide good career options. With its historical charm and vibrant community, Sacramento is an attractive place to work and live.
    Find Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Sacramento, CA

What are the best companies a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant can work for?

Some top companies for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants offer excellent salaries. Achieve Beyond Pediatric Therapy and Autism Services leads with an average salary of over $127,000. Arizona Autism, Advanced Home Health & Hospice, and Personal-Touch Home Care also provide competitive compensation packages. Hospitals and home care services pay well, with averages around $115,000 to $125,000. BrightStar Care, Ascend Rehab Inc, and Achieve Pediatric Therapy are known for their strong salaries. Job seekers should look into these companies for good opportunities and pay.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs, highlighting Achieve Beyond Pediatric Therapy and Autism Services with the highest at $127,855 and Achieve Pediatric Therapy with the lowest at $95,625.
  1. Achieve Beyond Pediatric Therapy and Autism Services
    Average Salary: $127,855
    Achieve Beyond Pediatric Therapy and Autism Services provides comprehensive care across multiple locations. They offer rewarding opportunities in cities such as Chicago and Austin. This company focuses on personalized care, making it an excellent place to work.


  2. Arizona Autism
    Average Salary: $125,625
    Arizona Autism is dedicated to helping children with autism. They operate in several locations in Arizona. This company offers competitive salaries and a supportive work environment for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants.


  3. Advanced Home Health & Hospice, an Excelin Company
    Average Salary: $115,000
    Advanced Home Health & Hospice offers home-based care services in various states. With a focus on quality care, they provide stable and fulfilling job opportunities. They are present in states like California and Florida.


  4. Personal-Touch Home Care
    Average Salary: $113,000
    Personal-Touch Home Care specializes in home care services. They offer a range of opportunities in cities such as New York and Miami. This company emphasizes personal connections and patient care.


  5. @Home Therapy
    Average Salary: $110,000
    @Home Therapy provides in-home care services. They operate in areas like Houston and Dallas. This company is known for its caring environment and supportive team.


  6. PROFESSIONAL POST ACUTE CENTER
    Average Salary: $104,833
    PROFESSIONAL POST ACUTE CENTER offers post-acute care in various locations. They are present in cities such as Los Angeles and Boston. This company values its staff and provides a collaborative work setting.


  7. Nurse Next Door Home Care Services
    Average Salary: $104,583
    Nurse Next Door Home Care Services provides in-home care and support. They operate in cities such as San Francisco and Seattle. This company is known for its dedication to patient well-being.


  8. BrightStar Care
    Average Salary: $102,768
    BrightStar Care offers home care services across multiple states. They have locations in Chicago and Denver. This company emphasizes personalized care and a supportive work environment.


  9. Ascend Rehab Inc
    Average Salary: $97,704
    Ascend Rehab Inc provides rehabilitation services. They are present in cities like Phoenix and San Antonio. This company focuses on helping patients achieve their best potential.


  10. Achieve Pediatric Therapy
    Average Salary: $95,625
    Achieve Pediatric Therapy specializes in pediatric therapy services. They operate in cities such as San Diego and Philadelphia. This company offers a nurturing environment for both patients and staff.

How to earn more as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants can explore several avenues to increase their earnings. Focusing on the right strategies can make a significant difference. Consider these key factors that can help boost your income:

  • Experience: Gaining experience enhances skills and opens doors to higher-paying positions.
  • Specialization: Developing expertise in a specific area, such as pediatrics or geriatrics, can lead to specialized roles that offer higher pay.
  • Certifications: Obtaining additional certifications, like in aquatic therapy, can make you more valuable to employers.
  • Continuing Education: Attending workshops and courses can keep skills sharp and knowledge current, increasing your marketability.
  • Location: Working in areas with a high demand for occupational therapy assistants can lead to higher wages.

By focusing on these factors, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants can improve their earning potential. Taking proactive steps towards professional growth and development will pay off in both job satisfaction and salary.

Currently 2,656 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
Overview
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
2,656 Job Openings