Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Short-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Occupational therapy aides support occupational therapy services and can be a good option for people interested in a hands-on, client-focused role that does not require a college degree. Nationally, there are about 5,000 jobs in this occupation, with a median annual salary of $37,370. Employment is projected to grow by 2.5%, and there are an estimated 1,000 annual openings, suggesting ongoing turnover and hiring needs. Opportunity can vary by state and metro area, with some regions offering higher salaries or stronger overall scores based on compensation, employment, and growth. The role draws on interpersonal abilities, physical strength and stamina, customer service, adaptability, and other skills such as leadership, mechanical aptitude, and basic science understanding. For people considering related options, similar occupations include home health and personal care aides, psychiatric aides, first-line supervisors of housekeeping and janitorial workers, protective service workers, and physical therapist aides.
The national median annual salary for occupational therapy aides is $37,370. Pay varies by location. Among the top states by opportunity score, New York shows a median salary of $46,220, Washington $45,890, and California $43,480, all above the national median. Massachusetts and Colorado are closer to the national level, with median salaries of $40,160 and $40,110. At the metro level, the New York-Newark-Jersey City area has a median salary of $46,260, and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is close behind at $45,840. Other highlighted metros, such as Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington at $40,200 and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue at $38,550, cluster around the low- to mid-$40,000s or high-$30,000s. These patterns suggest that choosing certain states or metros can influence earning potential within this career, especially in locations where median pay significantly exceeds the national figure.
Occupational therapy aides have national employment of about 5,000 workers. The occupation is projected to grow by 2.5%, indicating some expansion over time. There are an estimated 1,000 annual openings, reflecting both new positions and replacement needs as people leave existing roles. This combination of moderate overall employment and consistent openings suggests that job seekers may find recurring opportunities, particularly in regions where the occupation already has an established presence. Growth of 2.5% is also consistently reflected in the top states and metro areas listed, indicating similar projected trends across those highlighted locations. While the total number of jobs is relatively small compared with some larger occupations, the steady growth rate and ongoing annual openings point to a labor market where positions regularly become available for qualified candidates who meet the education and skill expectations.
Location makes a meaningful difference for occupational therapy aides in terms of both salary and overall opportunity score. Among states, California, Massachusetts, and New York rank highest by opportunity score, at 67.38, 65.87, and 65.78. New York also offers the highest listed state median salary at $46,220, followed closely by Washington at $45,890 and California at $43,480. Colorado and Massachusetts provide median pay around $40,000 while still maintaining strong scores, suggesting a balance of wages, employment, and growth. At the metro level, the New York-Newark-Jersey City area stands out with an opportunity score of 77.27 and a median salary of $46,260. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria and Boston-Cambridge-Newton also show strong scores, at 64.47 and 63.37. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue and Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington provide mid-range salaries and solid scores. These differences give job seekers various geographic options depending on whether they prioritize salary, overall opportunity score, or regional preference.
Occupational therapy aides typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. This relatively accessible education requirement can make the field attractive for individuals who want to enter a healthcare-support role without extensive formal schooling. Beyond the credential, success in this occupation depends heavily on a well-rounded skill set. Interpersonal skills and customer service are important for interacting effectively with clients and colleagues. Physical strength and stamina are also key, reflecting the physical nature of many tasks. Additional useful abilities include adaptability, leadership, and project management, which can help aides function well in dynamic, team-based environments. Skills in science, mechanical understanding, creativity and innovation, and writing and reading round out the profile, supporting problem-solving, basic documentation, and communication. Together, the combination of a high school diploma with these varied skills forms the core preparation for entering and progressing in this occupation.
Use CareerGPS Pro to compare markets, understand the tradeoffs, and focus on the places with the strongest potential.
