Occupational Therapy Aide Salary in 2026
How Much Do Occupational Therapy Aides Make?
Occupational Therapy Aides earn a median annual salary of $37,370 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $27,970 at the 10th percentile to $65,580 at the 90th percentile — a range of $37,610. The highest-paying state is North Carolina at $73,450.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $27,970 |
| 25th percentile | $34,840 |
| Median (50th) | $37,370 |
| 75th percentile | $44,190 |
| 90th percentile | $65,580 |
Occupational Therapy Aide Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| North Carolinatop | $73,450 |
| Florida | $70,660 |
| New Mexico | $67,890 |
| Nevada | $61,870 |
| Colorado | $48,840 |
| Nebraska | $43,800 |
| New York | $42,120 |
| Virginia | $40,610 |
| New Jersey | $40,550 |
| Wisconsin | $40,270 |
| Massachusetts | $38,690 |
| California | $38,400 |
| Missouri | $38,380 |
| District of Columbia | $38,220 |
| Georgia | $37,550 |
| Michigan | $37,320 |
| Texas | $37,160 |
| Oregon | $36,920 |
| Indiana | $36,530 |
| Ohio | $36,280 |
| Pennsylvania | $36,140 |
| South Carolina | $34,080 |
| Oklahoma | $33,110 |
| Louisiana | $30,040 |
| Mississippi | $27,230 |
| Tennessee | $27,110 |
| Idaho | $24,660 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Occupational Therapy Aides
Occupational Therapy Aide Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$27,970 – $34,840 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$37,370 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$44,190 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $65,580+ |
How to Earn More as an Occupational Therapy Aide
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Occupational Therapy Aides in North Carolina earn $73,450 — $36,080 above the national median. Earning an additional certification or completing a bachelor's degree can push your salary from the median toward the 75th percentile. Reaching the 75th percentile ($44,190) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Occupational Therapy Aide Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Aidethis career | $37,370 |
| Rehabilitation Counselor | $46,110 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker | $60,060 |
| Occupational Therapist | $98,340 |
| Physical Therapist | $101,020 |
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SOC: 31-2012.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.