How much does a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant make?
A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) plays a key role in helping patients recover from injuries or illnesses. This rewarding career offers a stable income. The average yearly salary for a COTA is around $70,288. 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, salaries can climb significantly. The top earners in this field can make up to $115,000 annually. This range shows that with dedication and experience, there are good opportunities for growth in this profession.
What are the highest paying cities for a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant?

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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $91,671
In Salinas, occupational therapy assistants work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Salinas offers a supportive community with opportunities to grow professionally. Local employers like Natividad Medical Center provide excellent career advancement.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $89,275
San Jose offers a dynamic environment for occupational therapy assistants. They work in diverse settings, from schools to private practices. Companies like Kaiser Permanente and Stanford Health Care provide excellent opportunities for professional development.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $89,020
San Diego is a vibrant city for occupational therapy assistants. They find work in hospitals, clinics, and schools. Rady Children's Hospital and Scripps Health are prominent employers, offering a range of career growth opportunities.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $88,686
San Francisco provides a rich landscape for occupational therapy assistants. They work in various settings, including hospitals and private practices. UCSF Health and Kaiser Permanente are leading employers, offering diverse career paths.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $87,314
Stockton offers a welcoming environment for occupational therapy assistants. They work in hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. Local employers like St. Joseph's Medical Center provide strong support for career growth.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $84,926
Los Angeles is a bustling city for occupational therapy assistants. They find work in hospitals, clinics, and schools. Major employers like Cedars-Sinai and Kaiser Permanente offer extensive opportunities for professional development.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $84,922
Vallejo provides a supportive community for occupational therapy assistants. They work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and schools. Local employers like Kaiser Permanente offer excellent career advancement opportunities.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $83,976
Modesto offers a friendly environment for occupational therapy assistants. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals and private practices. Local employers like Memorial Medical Center provide excellent career growth opportunities.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $82,258
Sacramento provides a vibrant landscape for occupational therapy assistants. They work in hospitals, clinics, and schools. Major employers like Kaiser Permanente and UC Davis Health offer diverse career paths.
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Chico, CA
Average Salary: $81,543
Chico offers a supportive environment for occupational therapy assistants. They work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and schools. Local employers like Enloe Medical Center provide strong support for career growth.
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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: $126,264
Achieve Beyond Pediatric Therapy and Autism Services offers rewarding Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs. They work with children and families in various locations. Their focus is on providing top-notch care and support.
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Arizona Autism
Average Salary: $120,909
Arizona Autism provides Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant positions with a competitive salary. They serve individuals with autism in Arizona. Their team is dedicated to making a positive impact on their clients' lives.
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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 a strong salary. They provide care in patients' homes across multiple states. Their mission is to improve patients' quality of life.
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Nurturing Home Health Care
Average Salary: $105,455
Nurturing Home Health Care offers Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs with a good salary. They provide in-home care services in several locations. Their goal is to support patients in their own homes.
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Powerback Rehabilitation
Average Salary: $104,025
Powerback Rehabilitation offers Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs with a solid salary. They provide rehabilitation services in various facilities. Their focus is on helping patients regain their independence.
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Nurse Next Door Home Care Services
Average Salary: $102,857
Nurse Next Door Home Care Services offers Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs with a competitive salary. They provide in-home care services in multiple locations. Their aim is to support patients in their own homes.
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Absolute Rehabilitation, Inc
Average Salary: $100,598
Absolute Rehabilitation, Inc offers Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs with a good salary. They provide rehabilitation services in various locations. Their focus is on helping patients regain their independence.
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CVHCare
Average Salary: $97,478
CVHCare offers Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs with a solid salary. They provide home health care services in several locations. Their goal is to support patients in their own homes.
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FREMONT HEALTHCARE CENTER
Average Salary: $94,640
FREMONT HEALTHCARE CENTER offers Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs with a good salary. They provide skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Their focus is on helping patients regain their independence.
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Almaden Health and Rehabilitation Center
Average Salary: $94,640
Almaden Health and Rehabilitation Center offers Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs with a good salary. They provide skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Their focus is on helping patients regain their independence.
How to earn more as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant?
A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) can take several steps to increase their earnings. By focusing on these areas, a COTA can enhance their skills and marketability, leading to higher pay. One key factor is gaining experience in specialized areas of occupational therapy. Working in high-demand settings such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or mental health can provide more opportunities for advancement and higher salaries. Another important factor is pursuing additional certifications. These can include certifications in areas like hand therapy, driving rehabilitation, or assistive technology. Each of these certifications can make a COTA more valuable to employers and open up higher-paying positions.
Continuing education is another way to earn more. Attending workshops, seminars, and conferences can keep a COTA updated on the latest techniques and best practices. This ongoing learning can lead to better job performance and higher pay. Networking with other professionals in the field can also lead to higher-paying job opportunities. Joining professional organizations and attending industry events can help a COTA build connections and learn about job openings. Finally, seeking positions in areas with a shortage of COTAs can lead to higher salaries. Researching and applying to these areas can provide a significant boost in earnings. By focusing on these factors, a COTA can improve their earning potential and career satisfaction.
Here are five factors to consider:
- Gain experience in specialized areas.
- Pursue additional certifications.
- Continue education through workshops and conferences.
- Network with other professionals.
- Seek positions in areas with a shortage of COTAs.



