Occupational Therapy Assistants
Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Occupational Therapy Assistants to increase by 21.5% between 2024 and 2034, from 52,200 to 63,400 jobs. Its estimate of 8,100 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($72,300), education (Associate's degree), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
52,200
Projected employment (2034)
63,400
Projected change (2024–2034)
22%
Annual openings (projected average)
8,100
Pay & Preparation
$72,300
Associate's degree
None
None
Essential Skills
Service Orientation (3.88/5) • Active Listening (3.88/5) • Speaking (3.88/5) • Social Perceptiveness (3.88/5) • Reading Comprehension (3.62/5) • Time Management (3.5/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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