Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Salaries

As a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), you can expect a rewarding career not only in helping others but also in your financial earnings. The average yearly salary for a COTA stands at around $70,347. This figure represents a solid income that many find appealing.

When looking at the salary range, many entry-level positions start closer to $49,500. With experience and additional skills, salaries can rise significantly. For example, experienced professionals may earn over $100,000, depending on their location, employer, and level of expertise.

The majority of COTAs earn between $55,455 and $91,182 annually. This middle range reflects the potential for career growth and advancement in this field. Many variables affect these numbers, including years of experience, certifications, and the workplace setting, whether in schools, hospitals, or private practices.

1. Salinas, CA
   Average Salary: $86,489
   Working in Salinas offers great opportunities for professionals in the field of therapy. Local hospitals and rehabilitation centers greatly value skilled assistants to support patient recovery efforts.
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2. San Francisco, CA
   Average Salary: $85,989
   San Francisco is home to many top healthcare companies that seek dedicated therapy assistants. The vibrant city provides a dynamic environment where you can make a real impact on patients' lives.
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3. San Jose, CA
   Average Salary: $85,218
   In San Jose, thriving medical institutions offer many job openings for therapy assistants. This growing tech hub also values health innovation, making it an exciting place to work.
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4. Stockton, CA
   Average Salary: $83,922
   Stockton has a strong need for therapy assistants to help support diverse patient needs in both hospitals and clinics. This city allows you to grow your career while serving the community.
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5. Anchorage, AK
   Average Salary: $82,666
   Anchorage offers unique opportunities to work in therapy, especially with its beautiful natural landscapes and community-centered healthcare facilities. Assistants here enjoy a rewarding career while experiencing Alaska's beauty.
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6. Cleveland, OH
   Average Salary: $82,048
   Cleveland is a healthcare powerhouse with major hospitals that actively hire therapy assistants. Working here allows you to be part of a supportive community focused on patient care and recovery.
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7. Modesto, CA
   Average Salary: $81,863
   Modesto presents solid career prospects for therapy assistants within its healthcare network. You will help patients regain their independence in a friendly and collaborative environment.
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8. Vallejo, CA
   Average Salary: $80,873
   Vallejo offers promising career paths for therapy assistants in various healthcare settings like hospitals and outpatient centers. The community appreciates the valuable role assistants play in rehabilitation.
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9. Chico, CA
   Average Salary: $80,720
   In Chico, therapy assistants find fulfilling roles in local clinics and medical centers. The city's friendly atmosphere makes it a great place to support patient healing.
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10. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $80,663
    Houston, known for its vast medical facilities, provides numerous job opportunities for therapy assistants. You will work alongside skilled professionals in a diverse and vibrant healthcare environment.
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1. Achieve Beyond Pediatric Therapy and Autism Services
   Average Salary: $130,704
   Achieve Beyond focuses on providing therapy services for children with autism and developmental delays. They operate in multiple locations across the United States, offering certified occupational therapy assistants a chance to make a meaningful impact on young lives.
   




2. Absolute Rehabilitation, Inc
   Average Salary: $111,902
   Absolute Rehabilitation, Inc specializes in rehabilitative therapy. They support a diverse range of patients and employ certified occupational therapy assistants across various states, ensuring that professionals find rewarding careers in their facilities.
   




3. Nurturing Home Health Care
   Average Salary: $107,111
   Nurturing Home Health Care provides in-home support and therapy services. They value the essential role of certified occupational therapy assistants in enhancing patient quality of life, especially in residential settings across many American cities.
   




4. Nurse Next Door Home Care Services
   Average Salary: $101,250
   Nurse Next Door offers home care services with a focus on compassion. They employ certified occupational therapy assistants in various locations, allowing professionals to work closely with patients in a familiar environment.
   




5. @Home Therapy
   Average Salary: $100,798
   @Home Therapy provides solutions for those needing therapy in their own homes. They rely on certified occupational therapy assistants to deliver personalized therapy services across different regions, giving professionals a chance to build meaningful relationships with clients.
   




6. Supplemental Health Care
   Average Salary: $97,704
   Supplemental Health Care delivers staffing solutions for healthcare providers. They offer numerous job opportunities for certified occupational therapy assistants across various states, with a focus on flexibility and support for their staff.
   




7. Sterling Staffing Solutions
   Average Salary: $97,368
   Sterling Staffing Solutions connects healthcare professionals with various facilities. They provide certified occupational therapy assistants access to competitive positions across the country, supporting both career growth and client care.
   




8. Thrive Skilled Pediatric Care
   Average Salary: $95,674
   Thrive Skilled Pediatric Care specializes in providing therapy to children with complex needs. They employ certified occupational therapy assistants in numerous locations, enabling professionals to contribute significantly to the health and development of young patients.
   




9. Lifespan Physical Therapy Services
   Average Salary: $94,015
   Lifespan Physical Therapy Services offers a range of rehabilitation therapies. They employ certified occupational therapy assistants in various centers, giving them opportunities to deliver hands-on care and support to diverse populations.
   




10. BAYADA Home Health Care
    Average Salary: $92,889
    BAYADA Home Health Care provides essential home health services. They value certified occupational therapy assistants and have job openings across multiple locations, providing professionals the chance to work closely with patients in their environments.
    

As a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), you can increase your earnings by focusing on several key factors. Here are some effective ways to boost your income:

• Gain Experience: More experience often leads to higher pay. Work in various settings like hospitals, schools, or rehabilitation centers to broaden your skills.
• Obtain Special Certifications: Pursue additional certifications in areas like pediatrics or geriatrics. Specialized skills can make you more valuable and marketable.
• Consider Location: Pay rates can vary by region. Look for job opportunities in areas with a higher demand for occupational therapy assistants, where salaries typically reflect that need.
• Network Professionals: Connect with other occupational therapy professionals. Networking can lead to new job opportunities, referrals, and valuable information on salary trends.
• Negotiation Skills: Don’t hesitate to negotiate your salary when offered a position. Be prepared to discuss your qualifications and the value you bring to the team.