How much does a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant make?
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants help patients regain skills needed for daily tasks. Their work is important, and their pay reflects that. On average, they earn about $73,356 a year. This number can change based on where they work and their experience.
Here is a closer look at their earnings:
- The bottom 10% earn less than $51,000.
- The next 20% earn between $51,000 and $64,000.
- The middle 20% earn between $64,000 and $82,000.
- The next 20% earn between $82,000 and $101,000.
- The top 10% earn more than $101,000.
What are the highest paying cities for a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $95,561
In San Francisco, occupational therapy assistants work in top hospitals like UCSF Health. The city offers diverse opportunities with a strong focus on patient care. The Bay Area's high demand for healthcare services creates many job openings.
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Yuma, AZ
Average Salary: $95,140
Working in Yuma, occupational therapy assistants can find fulfilling positions in local healthcare facilities. The community’s warm climate and growing healthcare sector attract many professionals. Yuma Regional Medical Center provides a supportive work environment.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $91,643
Salinas offers a range of opportunities for occupational therapy assistants. The city’s healthcare facilities, including Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System, provide a nurturing environment. Salinas' growing population increases the need for skilled professionals.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $91,226
San Jose’s tech-driven environment brings unique challenges and opportunities. Occupational therapy assistants can work in top facilities like Kaiser Permanente. The city's diverse population and healthcare demand create a vibrant job market.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $89,758
Stockton offers a rewarding career for occupational therapy assistants. The city’s healthcare institutions, such as St. Joseph’s Medical Center, provide excellent work opportunities. Stockton's growing healthcare sector supports career growth.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $88,477
Modesto provides a supportive environment for occupational therapy assistants. Local facilities like Memorial Medical Center offer many job opportunities. The city’s community-focused approach enhances the quality of patient care.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $88,409
Sacramento, the state capital, offers diverse opportunities for occupational therapy assistants. Hospitals like UC Davis Medical Center provide excellent work environments. The city’s vibrant culture and growing healthcare needs create a dynamic job market.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $88,166
Santa Rosa offers a balanced lifestyle for occupational therapy assistants. The city’s healthcare facilities, such as Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital, provide many opportunities. Santa Rosa's community-focused approach supports professional growth.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $84,044
Vallejo provides a rewarding career for occupational therapy assistants. Local facilities like Kaiser Permanente offer excellent opportunities. The city’s proximity to San Francisco and growing healthcare needs enhance job prospects.
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Bakersfield, CA
Average Salary: $82,985
Bakersfield offers a range of opportunities for occupational therapy assistants. The city’s healthcare facilities, including Kern Medical Center, provide many job opportunities. Bakersfield's growing population and healthcare needs create a stable job market.
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What are the best companies a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant can work for?

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Arizona Autism
Average Salary: $133,600
Arizona Autism is a leading provider of autism therapy services. They have multiple locations in Arizona, offering Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs with a focus on pediatric care.
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Achieve Beyond
Average Salary: $130,132
Achieve Beyond works with children with developmental disorders. They have locations across several states and offer a supportive environment for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants to grow.
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OMNI Therapy, Inc.
Average Salary: $128,412
OMNI Therapy, Inc. provides comprehensive therapy services. They have various locations in California, where they hire Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants to assist in patient care.
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Places You'll Go Therapy
Average Salary: $127,603
Places You'll Go Therapy focuses on pediatric therapy services. They have multiple locations in Pennsylvania, offering dynamic environments for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants.
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Connect Plus Therapy
Average Salary: $125,000
Connect Plus Therapy offers a range of therapy services. They operate in multiple states and provide Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants with opportunities to work with diverse populations.
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A-List Therapy Group
Average Salary: $123,261
A-List Therapy Group is dedicated to pediatric therapy. They have several locations in Texas and Illinois, where Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants can find rewarding career opportunities.
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Vitality Rehab Services
Average Salary: $114,286
Vitality Rehab Services specializes in rehabilitation services. They have locations across the Midwest, offering Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants a chance to work with experienced professionals.
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Personal Touch Home Care
Average Salary: $112,667
Personal Touch Home Care provides in-home therapy services. They operate in the New York and New Jersey areas, where Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants can deliver personalized care.
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AxiomHealth Management
Average Salary: $111,000
AxiomHealth Management focuses on integrated healthcare solutions. They have locations in the Southeast, offering Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants a chance to work in a collaborative environment.
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Frontpoint Health
Average Salary: $110,625
Frontpoint Health offers rehabilitation services. They have several locations in the Pacific Northwest, where Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants can find fulfilling roles in patient care.
How to earn more as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant?
Becoming a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) can open many doors and provide job satisfaction. However, knowing how to earn more in this field can make a significant difference in career advancement. By focusing on key areas, a COTA can maximize their earnings and career potential.
First, gaining experience can lead to higher pay. Employers often reward those with more years in the field with better salaries. Also, working in high-demand areas or specialties can increase earning potential. Locations with a shortage of COTAs typically offer higher wages. Continuing education and certification in specialized areas can open new opportunities and increase pay. Networking with other professionals and staying active in occupational therapy communities can lead to higher-paying jobs. Lastly, seeking leadership roles such as supervisory positions can result in significant salary increases. Each of these factors plays a role in achieving higher earnings as a COTA.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a COTA:
- Experience: More years in the field can lead to higher pay.
- Location: Working in high-demand areas can increase wages.
- Specialization: Certification in specialized areas can open new opportunities.
- Networking: Staying active in professional communities can lead to better job offers.
- Leadership Roles: Seeking supervisory positions can result in higher salaries.



