How much money does an occupational therapy aide make per year? What are the education requirements for becoming an occupational therapy aide? What does an aide do in this occupation? This article will discuss the job overview and reveal salary information for this profession.
Occupational therapy aides assist occupational therapy assistants and therapists with various tasks. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected job growth for these aides is approximately 36% between years 2012-2022. However, they also noted that there is very small demand for this position, and only about 3,000 jobs will be added within those years.
The average salary for an occupational therapy aide in the United States (as of 2014) was $13.96 per hour and $29,040 per year.
What Does an Occupational Therapy Aide Do?
- Prepare treatment areas, such as setting up therapy equipment
- Transport patients
- Clean treatment areas and equipment
- Help patients with billing and insurance forms
- Perform clerical tasks, including scheduling appointments and answering telephones
Education Requirements to Become an Occupational Therapy Aide
Occupational therapy aides typically have a high school diploma or equivalent. They are trained on the job under the supervision of more experienced assistants or aides. Training can last from several weeks to a few months and covers a number of topics, including set up of therapy equipment and infection control procedures, among others. Prior work experience in healthcare as well as CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) certifications may be helpful in getting a job.
Industries with the highest levels of employment in this occupation:
| Industry | Employment | Percent of industry employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Offices of Other Health Practitioners | 3,210 | 0.41 | $12.11 | $25,200 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 1,550 | 0.03 | $15.80 | $32,870 |
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 1,320 | 0.08 | $15.28 | $31,780 |
| Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals | 880 | 0.36 | $13.95 | $29,020 |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | 320 | 0.00 | $15.03 | $31,250 |
Top paying industries for this occupation:
| Industry | Employment | Percent of industry employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Home Health Care Services | 70 | 0.01 | $23.77 | $49,440 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 1,550 | 0.03 | $15.80 | $32,870 |
| State Government (OES Designation) | 160 | 0.01 | $15.68 | $32,620 |
| Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly | 130 | 0.02 | $15.66 | $32,570 |
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 1,320 | 0.08 | $15.28 | $31,780 |
Top paying states for this occupation:
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| District of Columbia | 40 | 0.06 | 0.96 | $21.42 | $44,560 |
| California | 880 | 0.06 | 0.92 | $18.13 | $37,710 |
| Ohio | 90 | 0.02 | 0.28 | $17.51 | $36,420 |
| New York | 310 | 0.04 | 0.56 | $16.95 | $35,260 |
| North Dakota | 40 | 0.09 | 1.43 | $16.89 | $35,140 |
Lowest Paying States:
| Arizona | 10.40 | 21,630 | 19,220 |
| Illinois | 10.85 | 22,580 | 19,480 |
| Iowa | 11.24 | 23,380 | 23,300 |
Occupational Therapy Aides Salary by State:
| Area name | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage | Annual median wage |
| Alabama | 12.13 | 25,230 | 23,470 |
| Arizona | 10.40 | 21,630 | 19,220 |
| Arkansas | 13.76 | 28,610 | 21,440 |
| California | 18.13 | 37,710 | 30,060 |
| Colorado | 14.63 | 30,430 | 29,760 |
| Connecticut | 14.41 | 29,970 | 26,700 |
| District of Columbia | 21.42 | 44,560 | 39,400 |
| Florida | 14.28 | 29,690 | 27,670 |
| Georgia | 13.01 | 27,070 | 25,940 |
| Idaho | 13.47 | 28,010 | 27,820 |
| Illinois | 10.85 | 22,580 | 19,480 |
| Indiana | 12.55 | 26,110 | 25,550 |
| Iowa | 11.24 | 23,380 | 23,300 |
| Kansas | 15.97 | 33,220 | 28,660 |
| Kentucky | 16.04 | 33,350 | 28,500 |
| Louisiana | 14.97 | 31,140 | 28,960 |
| Maryland | 14.50 | 30,160 | 27,750 |
| Massachusetts | 15.89 | 33,050 | 30,430 |
| Michigan | 14.77 | 30,720 | 29,280 |
| Minnesota | 15.54 | 32,310 | 30,120 |
| Nebraska | 13.16 | 27,370 | 26,460 |
| Nevada | 14.80 | 30,780 | 27,980 |
| New Hampshire | 13.17 | 27,390 | 25,780 |
| New Jersey | 14.54 | 30,250 | 27,790 |
| New Mexico | 14.35 | 29,840 | 22,500 |
| New York | 16.95 | 35,260 | 34,870 |
| North Carolina | 12.52 | 26,040 | 25,460 |
| North Dakota | 16.89 | 35,140 | 34,570 |
| Ohio | 17.51 | 36,420 | 31,350 |
| Oklahoma | 16.58 | 34,480 | 26,950 |
| Oregon | 15.60 | 32,460 | 29,040 |
| Pennsylvania | 13.50 | 28,090 | 27,030 |
| Puerto Rico | 8.40 | 17,480 | 17,360 |
| South Carolina | 12.83 | 26,690 | 24,190 |
| Tennessee | 12.34 | 25,670 | 24,910 |
| Texas | 12.62 | 26,260 | 25,800 |
| Utah | 16.21 | 33,710 | 28,100 |
| Virginia | 14.90 | 30,980 | 27,600 |
| Washington | 15.97 | 33,220 | 28,980 |
| West Virginia | 13.70 | 28,490 | 28,210 |
| Wisconsin | 13.88 | 28,870 | 28,830 |
References:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Occupational Therapy Aides, on the Internet at bls.gov.