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Certified occupational therapy assistant salary
Average certified occupational therapy assistant salary
$50,872
Average Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary
In the field of occupational therapy, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) play a crucial role in patient rehabilitation. As of October 2025, the average salary for COTAs is approximately $50,872 annually, translating to about $24 per hour. Salaries can differ significantly depending on factors such as geographical location, years of experience, and the specific industry in which one works.
Average Salary by State
When examining regional salary differences, states like California and Texas often offer higher compensation rates for COTAs. Additionally, metropolitan areas tend to provide better pay compared to rural settings. For instance, urban centers like Los Angeles and New York City frequently report salaries exceeding the national average, reflecting the demand for healthcare services in densely populated regions.
Highest Paying Cities
Major cities often provide enhanced salary opportunities. Cities such as San Francisco, Seattle, and Boston are known for their higher wage offerings for COTAs. Those considering a career in occupational therapy should explore these regions for optimal earning potential while also considering the cost of living.
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Where can a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant earn more?
Average certified occupational therapy assistant salary by state
The highest-paying states for certified occupational therapy assistants are New York, Hawaii, and Nevada. The lowest average certified occupational therapy assistant salary states are North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Maryland.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for certified occupational therapy assistants
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | $62,570 | $30.08 |
| 2 | Nevada | $59,073 | $28.40 |
| 3 | Ohio | $51,595 | $24.81 |
| 4 | Kentucky | $51,039 | $24.54 |
| 5 | Oregon | $51,954 | $24.98 |
| 6 | Rhode Island | $56,771 | $27.29 |
| 7 | New Hampshire | $50,213 | $24.14 |
| 8 | Arizona | $49,249 | $23.68 |
| 9 | West Virginia | $51,378 | $24.70 |
| 10 | Delaware | $55,833 | $26.84 |
| 11 | Hawaii | $59,187 | $28.46 |
| 12 | Idaho | $55,336 | $26.60 |
| 13 | California | $56,150 | $27.00 |
| 14 | Colorado | $53,568 | $25.75 |
| 15 | Vermont | $49,032 | $23.57 |
| 16 | Maine | $51,460 | $24.74 |
| 17 | Alaska | $51,207 | $24.62 |
| 18 | Montana | $52,508 | $25.24 |
| 19 | Arkansas | $47,241 | $22.71 |
| 20 | North Dakota | $46,960 | $22.58 |
| 21 | South Carolina | $50,238 | $24.15 |
| 22 | Utah | $48,442 | $23.29 |
| 23 | Connecticut | $51,548 | $24.78 |
| 24 | Kansas | $47,890 | $23.02 |
| 25 | District of Columbia | $55,067 | $26.47 |
| 26 | Missouri | $46,501 | $22.36 |
| 27 | Mississippi | $45,860 | $22.05 |
| 28 | Texas | $46,253 | $22.24 |
| 29 | Illinois | $47,856 | $23.01 |
| 30 | Indiana | $46,827 | $22.51 |
| 31 | Washington | $49,894 | $23.99 |
| 32 | New Mexico | $46,688 | $22.45 |
| 33 | Virginia | $46,161 | $22.19 |
| 34 | Nebraska | $46,762 | $22.48 |
| 35 | Oklahoma | $44,458 | $21.37 |
| 36 | New Jersey | $45,665 | $21.95 |
| 37 | Wisconsin | $45,413 | $21.83 |
| 38 | South Dakota | $39,460 | $18.97 |
| 39 | Wyoming | $42,385 | $20.38 |
| 40 | Tennessee | $43,811 | $21.06 |
| 41 | Michigan | $44,578 | $21.43 |
| 42 | Iowa | $43,696 | $21.01 |
| 43 | Florida | $42,118 | $20.25 |
| 44 | Louisiana | $38,625 | $18.57 |
| 45 | Alabama | $39,389 | $18.94 |
| 46 | Georgia | $43,411 | $20.87 |
| 47 | Maryland | $39,889 | $19.18 |
| 48 | Massachusetts | $40,672 | $19.55 |
| 49 | Pennsylvania | $41,420 | $19.91 |
| 50 | North Carolina | $40,868 | $19.65 |
| 51 | Minnesota | $41,663 | $20.03 |
Highest paying cities for certified occupational therapy assistants
The highest-paying cities for certified occupational therapy assistants are Mamaroneck, NY, Las Vegas, NV, and Cupertino, CA.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mamaroneck, NY | $62,702 | $30.15 |
| 2 | Las Vegas, NV | $59,001 | $28.37 |
| 3 | Cupertino, CA | $57,056 | $27.43 |
| 4 | Newark, DE | $55,867 | $26.86 |
| 5 | Lakewood, CO | $53,627 | $25.78 |
| 6 | Eugene, OR | $52,345 | $25.17 |
| 7 | Cleveland, OH | $51,989 | $24.99 |
| 8 | Rock Hill, SC | $50,534 | $24.30 |
| 9 | Manchester, NH | $50,201 | $24.14 |
| 10 | Lacey, WA | $50,179 | $24.12 |
| 11 | Prescott Valley, AZ | $49,419 | $23.76 |
| 12 | Lafayette, IN | $46,922 | $22.56 |
| 13 | Las Cruces, NM | $46,921 | $22.56 |
| 14 | Omaha, NE | $46,729 | $22.47 |
| 15 | San Antonio, TX | $46,512 | $22.36 |
| 16 | Kalamazoo, MI | $44,547 | $21.42 |
| 17 | Sioux City, IA | $43,816 | $21.07 |
| 18 | Cleveland, TN | $43,683 | $21.00 |
| 19 | Philadelphia, PA | $41,621 | $20.01 |
| 20 | Baton Rouge, LA | $38,616 | $18.57 |
Certified occupational therapy assistant salary details
A certified occupational therapy assistant's salary ranges from $37,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $68,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a certified occupational therapy assistant's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $68,000 | $5,667 | $33 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,000 | $4,917 | $28 |
| Average | $50,872 | $4,239 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,000 | $3,583 | $21 |
| 10th Percentile | $37,000 | $3,083 | $18 |
Highest paying certified occupational therapy assistant jobs
The highest paying types of certified occupational therapy assistants are occupational therapist, staff occupational therapist, and certified occupational therapist assistant.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rehab Technician | $28,505 | $2,375 | $13.70 | 27,969 |
| Rehabilitation Aide | $28,284 | $2,357 | $13.60 | 42,701 |
| Physical Therapy Technician | $35,161 | $2,930 | $16.90 | 66,670 |
| Occupational Therapy Aide | $31,070 | $2,589 | $14.94 | 68,832 |
| Occupational Therapist | $75,707 | $6,309 | $36.40 | 78,315 |
Top companies hiring certified occupational therapy assistants now:
Which companies pay certified occupational therapy assistants the most?
Certified occupational therapy assistant salaries at Staten Island Academy and Liberty HomeCare and Hospice are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average certified occupational therapy assistant salary at companies like Health Alliance and Grand View Health are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Staten Island Academy | $68,813 | $33.08 |
| 2 | Liberty HomeCare and Hospice | $59,780 | $28.74 |
| 3 | Health Alliance | $58,135 | $27.95 |
| 4 | Grand View Health | $56,353 | $27.09 |
| 5 | Mount Auburn Hospital | $56,125 | $26.98 |
| 6 | VIVA USA | $55,713 | $26.79 |
| 7 | Chelsea Jewish Lifecare | $55,700 | $26.78 |
| 8 | MedPro Healthcare Staffing | $55,509 | $26.69 |
| 9 | Marin General Hospital: Foley Pamela MD | $55,435 | $26.65 |
| 10 | HopeWest | $55,414 | $26.64 |
| 11 | West Tennessee Healthcare | $55,175 | $26.53 |
| 12 | Landmark Hospital | $55,139 | $26.51 |
| 13 | American Senior Benefits | $54,901 | $26.39 |
| 14 | ProMedica Toledo Hospital | $54,899 | $26.39 |
| 15 | Ciena Healthcare | $54,864 | $26.38 |
| 16 | Suncrest Home Health & Hospice | $54,659 | $26.28 |
| 17 | Minnesota State Fair | $54,499 | $26.20 |
| 18 | Lighthouse | $54,496 | $26.20 |
| 19 | Northern California Medical Associates | $54,483 | $26.19 |
| 20 | John Muir Health | $54,199 | $26.06 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant salary by industry
The average certified occupational therapy assistant salary varies across industries:
- The average certified occupational therapy assistant salary in the education industry is $51,821, the highest of any industry.
- The average certified occupational therapy assistant salary in the finance industry is $49,644.
- Certified occupational therapy assistants in the professional industry earn an average salary of $38,080, the lowest of any industry.
Highest paying industries for certified occupational therapy assistants
| Rank | Industry | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Education | $51,821 | $24.91 |
| 2 | Finance | $49,644 | $23.87 |
| 3 | Health Care | $47,058 | $22.62 |
| 4 | Professional | $38,080 | $18.31 |
High paying certified occupational therapy assistant jobs
Certified occupational therapy assistant salary trends
The average certified occupational therapy assistant salary has risen by $8,810 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average certified occupational therapy assistant earned $42,062 annually, but today, they earn $50,872 a year. That works out to a 7% change in pay for certified occupational therapy assistants over the last decade.
Compare certified occupational therapy assistant salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average certified occupational therapy assistant salary over time
Compare certified occupational therapy assistant salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Certified occupational therapy assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $50,900 | $24.46 | +2.3% |
| 2025 | $49,700 | $23.90 | +2.1% |
| 2024 | $48,700 | $23.40 | +1.5% |
| 2023 | $47,900 | $23.05 | +0.5% |
| 2022 | $47,700 | $22.93 | +1.9% |
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