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How much do occupational aide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for occupational aide in the United States is $18.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does an OTA make?

In North Carolina, an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) typically earns an average annual salary of around $55,000 to $65,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and work setting, with some OTAs earning higher with additional certifications or specialized skills.

Is it worth becoming an OTA?

Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) play a vital role in supporting licensed occupational therapists by helping patients develop or recover daily living skills. The profession offers steady employment, a median salary around $60,000, and requires completing an accredited OTA program and passing a certification exam. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in healthcare and patient interaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Occupational Aide, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Occupational Aide, you need a solid understanding of basic patient care, support techniques, and often a high school diploma or relevant certification in healthcare assistance. Familiarity with adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and electronic documentation systems is typically required. Compassion, strong interpersonal skills, and patience help Occupational Aides build trust and communicate effectively with clients. These skills and qualities are crucial for promoting client independence and supporting occupational therapists in delivering effective care.

What does an OT aide do?

An occupational therapy (OT) aide assists occupational therapists by preparing treatment areas, setting up equipment, and helping patients with exercises and activities. They typically work under supervision in healthcare or rehabilitation settings and may need basic knowledge of therapy techniques and safety protocols.

What are occupational aides?

Occupational aides, also known as occupational therapy aides, assist occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in providing rehabilitative services to patients. They help prepare materials, set up equipment, and perform clerical tasks, ensuring that therapy sessions run smoothly. While they do not provide direct therapy, their support allows therapists to focus more on patient care. Occupational aides often work in hospitals, nursing care facilities, or private practices under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists.

What is the difference between Occupational Aide vs Physical Therapist Assistant?

AspectOccupational AidePhysical Therapist Assistant
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate's degree in Physical Therapist Assisting; licensure required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, long-term care facilitiesRehabilitation centers, hospitals, outpatient clinics
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with patient activities, support occupational therapists, perform basic tasksImplement treatment plans, assist with exercises, monitor patient progress

While both roles support patient care in healthcare settings, Occupational Aides primarily assist occupational therapists with basic tasks and patient support, requiring less formal education. Physical Therapist Assistants have specialized training and work more directly on implementing therapy plans under supervision. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job fit.

How does an Occupational Aide typically support occupational therapists and clients during therapy sessions?

Occupational Aides play a crucial role in assisting occupational therapists by preparing therapy materials, setting up equipment, and helping clients perform exercises or activities safely. They often work directly with clients to encourage participation and ensure comfort, while also observing and recording progress to report back to the therapist. Collaboration and clear communication with both therapists and clients are essential for success in this support role.

Who gets paid more, OTA or PTA?

Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) generally earn higher salaries than Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs), as OTAs often have a broader scope of practice and may require additional certifications. Salary differences can vary based on location, experience, and work setting, but OTAs tend to have higher average pay across the industry.
What cities are hiring for Occupational Aide jobs? Cities with the most Occupational Aide job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Occupational jobs? The most popular types of Occupational jobs are:
What states have the most Occupational Aide jobs? States with the most job openings for Occupational Aide jobs include:
Occupational Aide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Occupational Aide job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,675 per year, or $18.1 per hour.
Occupational Therapy Aide

Occupational Therapy Aide

Professional Physical Therapy

Montclair, NJ • On-site

$15.92 - $16.92/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Professional Physical Therapy rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Professional PT, the leading provider of physical, occupational, and hand therapy in the Northeast, is seeking a highly motivated and compassionate individual to join our team as an Occupational Therapy Aide. Our company is dedicated to providing world-class care to our patients and helping them regain their strength, mobility, and overall well-being.

As an Occupational Therapy Aide, you will work closely with our team of licensed therapists to assist in the treatment of our patients. You will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those seeking physical therapy by providing support and encouragement throughout their rehabilitation journey.

Our patients are at the heart of our business, and we prioritize their needs and comfort above all else. We welcome feedback from our patients to continuously improve our services and ensure the best possible outcomes. With multiple clinics located throughout the Northeast, including Manhattan NYC, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, you will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Responsibilities
  • Set up equipment and prepare treatment areas for patient sessions.
  • Monitor and adjust equipment as needed during treatment sessions.
  • Escort patients to and from treatment areas and provide assistance as necessary.
  • Maintain an organized and clean treatment area.
  • Prepares hot and cold packs.
  • Maintains and cleans the treating tables.
  • Aides are responsible for laundry.

Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with patients and healthcare professionals.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • .Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Physical stamina to perform tasks that may require heavy lifting or prolonged standing.
  • Adheres to all HIPAA and OSHA laws and regulations as required; obeys all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

Hourly Rate Range: $15.92 - $16.92

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