Occupational therapist assistants work closely with occupational therapists to create rehabilitation plans for patients recovering from injuries or managing disabilities. Duties include instructing patients to strengthen muscles through specific exercises and teaching skills needed to function in daily life. OTAs monitor client progress and review cases with supervisors, as well as schedule appointments, answer phones, complete insurance forms and perform other clerical tasks. OTAs generally earn lower salaries than the national median household income, which was $52,029 in 2008, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
General Salary Data
Occupational therapist assistants received a median annual salary of $48,230 in 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest paid assistants earned more than $65,160 and the lowest paid made less than $31,150 in annual compensation. Factors affecting salary include type of employer and years of experience. In some settings, overtime pay can increase earnings.
Certification
While most positions require at least a two-year associate degree, those occupational therapist assistants with voluntary certification are better positioned to earn more competitive salaries, notes the BLS. The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy offers a national certifying examination. Successful completion of the exam results in the title of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
Salary by Employer
Salaries vary widely depending on the employer. Those certified OTAs working in state or local governments made $32,226 to $41,116, as of 2010, while those in private practice earned $38,808 to $49,821, according to PayScale. Meanwhile, certified OTAs in hospitals made $31,106 to $46,967, and those serving in school districts earned $30,525 to $42,639. Other employers include home health care services and nursing care facilities. In addition to full-time, salaried positions, many facilities offer part-time positions that pay $19.54 to $27.27 an hour, according to 2010 data from PayScale.
Salary by Experience
Occupational therapist assistants move up the salary scale as they gain experience. Certified OTAs with less than one year of experience earned $28,685 to $41,631, notes PayScale, while those with five to nine years of experience garnered salaries of $34,608 to $46,795. At the 20-year mark certified OTAs reach approximately $51,000. Experience helps OTAs move into higher-paying administrative positions, such as therapy department manager or sports medicine director.
Job Outlook
The number of occupational therapist assistant positions is expected to rise 30 percent over a 10-year period, increasing to 34,600 jobs in 2018 from 26,600 in 2008. Those OTAs with experience in a health care setting will have the best job prospects, notes the BLS.
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