Occupational therapy aides
SOC Code: 31-2012Also known as:
Certified Occupational Rehabilitation Aide (CORA), Direct Service Professional (DSP), Direct Support Professional (DSP), Independent Living Specialist, Occupational Rehabilitation Aide
Median Annual Salary
$37,370
+2.5% growth (2024-2034)
600
Openings/Year
5K
Current Jobs
What Occupational therapy aides Do
Under close supervision of an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing patient and treatment room.
💰 Salary
$37,370
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+2.5%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
600
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
5,200
Projected Employment (2034)
5,300
Related Careers
Rehabilitation counselors
$46,110 •
+1.4% growth
Psychiatric technicians
$42,590 •
+20.0% growth
Occupational therapy assistants
$68,340 •
+19.2% growth
Physical therapist assistants
$65,510 •
+22.0% growth
Physical therapist aides
$34,520 •
+2.8% growth
Top Skills Required
Service Orientation
Speaking
Social Perceptiveness
Active Listening
Coordination
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Encourage patients and attend to their physical needs to facilitate the attainment of therapeutic goals.
- Report to supervisors or therapists, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, attendance, and accomplishments.
- Observe patients' attendance, progress, attitudes, and accomplishments and record and maintain information in client records.
- Prepare and maintain work area, materials, and equipment and maintain inventory of treatment and educational supplies.
- Transport patients to and from the occupational therapy work area.
- Instruct patients and families in work, social, and living skills, the care and use of adaptive equipment, and other skills to facilitate home and work adjustment to disability.
- Assist occupational therapists in planning, implementing, and administering therapy programs to restore, reinforce, and enhance performance, using selected activities and special equipment.
- Demonstrate therapy techniques, such as manual and creative arts and games.
- Manage intradepartmental infection control and equipment security.
- Perform clerical, administrative, and secretarial duties, such as answering phones, restocking and ordering supplies, filling out paperwork, and scheduling appointments.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Occupational therapy aides
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a occupational therapy aides:
Rehabilitation Aide
158 degrees awarded •
10 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Occupational therapy aides
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become occupational therapy aides.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tulsa Technology Center | Tulsa, OK | 51 | B |
| 2 | Moore Norman Technology Center | Norman, OK | 32 | B |
| 3 | Cowley County Community College | Arkansas City, KS | 12 | C+ |
| 4 | Gordon Cooper Technology Center | Shawnee, OK | 6 | C+ |
| 5 | Southwest Technology Center | Altus, OK | 4 | C+ |
| 6 | Central Technology Center | Drumright, OK | 1 | C+ |
| 7 | The College of Health Care Professions-Southwest Houston | Houston, TX | 28 | C |
| 8 | Carrington College-Mesa | Mesa, AZ | 13 | C |
| 9 | Carrington College-Tucson | Tucson, AZ | 8 | C |
| 10 | High Plains Technology Center | Woodward, OK | 3 | C |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy aides make?
The median annual salary for occupational therapy aides is $37,370.
What education do occupational therapy aides need?
Most occupational therapy aides positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Rehabilitation Aide.
Is becoming occupational therapy aides a good career choice?
Occupational therapy aides is projected to see +2.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for occupational therapy aides?
Top colleges for aspiring occupational therapy aides include
Tulsa Technology Center, Moore Norman Technology Center, Cowley County Community College, Gordon Cooper Technology Center, Southwest Technology Center.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to occupational therapy aides?
Occupational therapy aides may also be known as: Certified Occupational Rehabilitation Aide (CORA), Direct Service Professional (DSP), Direct Support Professional (DSP), Independent Living Specialist, Occupational Rehabilitation Aide, Occupational Therapist Aide (OT Aide), Occupational Therapy Aide (OT Aide), Rehabilitation Aide (Rehab Aide), Rehabilitation Nursing Technician (Rehab Nursing Tech), Rehabilitation Services Aide, Rehabilitation Services Technician (Rehab Services Tech), Rehabilitation Therapy Aide (Rehab Therapy Aide), Rehabilitation Therapy Technician (Rehab Therapy Tech), Restorative Aide.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.