Occupational Therapy Aides

Occupational therapy aides work under the direct supervision of licensed occupational therapists or therapy assistants. Their daily tasks center on preparing treatment areas, setting up equipment, and assisting patients as they get ready for therapy. This role requires strong social interests, as aides spend their days assisting and caring for others, communicating with supervisors, and building positive interpersonal relationships.

To succeed in this environment, aides must possess strong service orientation, social perceptiveness, and active listening skills. They need to communicate clearly when speaking with patients and staff, coordinate their actions with others, and use critical thinking to solve problems. Important knowledge areas for this job include therapy and counseling, customer and personal service, psychology, and basic medicine. Because they work directly with vulnerable individuals, aides must demonstrate empathy, cooperation, dependability, and high stress tolerance. They must also pay close attention to detail and maintain a cautious, sincere approach to ensure patient safety and compliance with healthcare standards.

To enter this career, individuals typically need a high school diploma. The occupation is classified as requiring medium preparation, which means many workers also complete vocational training, earn an associate degree, or gain related on-the-job experience. Students interested in this pathway often major in college programs for health aides, attendants, or orderlies.

While a high school education is the standard entry point, professional credentials can help candidates stand out. Some workers pursue the Occupational Therapist Registered certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. Additionally, licensing requirements vary by location, as some states list a specific license for occupational therapy aides. Aspiring aides should check their local state guidelines to see if licensing is required in their area.

In 2025, the median annual pay for occupational therapy aides was $39,160. Earnings can vary significantly based on experience and location, with the lowest 10% of workers earning less than $29,430 and the highest 10% earning more than $70,200.

There are 4,310 people employed in this occupation. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 3.6%, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth, combined with normal staff turnover, is expected to result in approximately 600 job openings each year.