As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) in the United States is $61,100. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $54,900 to $68,100, with most professionals earning between $49,255 and $74,473.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $68,100 | $5,675 | $1,310 | $33 |
| Average | $61,100 | $5,092 | $1,175 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,900 | $4,575 | $1,056 | $26 |
An entry-level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) with less than 1 year of experience earns about $59,990. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $61,309. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $64,234. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $64,548, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $64,757.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) | $59,990 |
| Intermediate Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) | $61,309 |
| Senior Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) | $64,234 |
| Specialist Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) | $64,548 |
| Expert Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) | $64,757 |
| Entry Level | 2% |
| Mid Level | 0% |
| Senior Level | 5% |
| Top Level | 6% |
| Experienced | 6% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $55,644 in 2023 to approximately $55,899 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $61,100 | 70.7% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $4,674 | 5.4% | ||
| 401K/403B | $2,994 | 3.5% | ||
| Disability | $978 | 1.1% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,371 | 7.4% | ||
| Pension | $2,566 | 3.0% | ||
| Time Off | $7,755 | 9.0% | ||
| Total Compensation | $86,438 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.4% |
| High School | 4.2% |
| Associates | 84.8% |
| Bachelors | 8.8% |
| Masters | 1.8% |
What Am I Worth?
Yes, COTAs are in high demand, with a projected job growth of 32% from 2019 to 2029, according to the BLS. This demand is reflected in their salary range, with a minimum salary of $57,900, a mid-salary of $64,200, and a maximum salary of $71,000, making it a promising career choice.
The salary data for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) indicates a minimum salary of $57,900, a mid-range salary of $64,200, and a maximum salary of $71,000. While states like California, Washington, and New Jersey offer higher salaries, the average COTA salary remains within this range across various locations.
COTAs are indeed in high demand, with a projected job growth of 32% from 2019 to 2029, significantly outpacing the average for all occupations. This demand is reflected in their salary range, with a minimum of $57,900, a mid-salary of $64,200, and a maximum of $71,000, making it an attractive career choice.
Occupational therapy assistants in the US earn between $57,900 and $71,000 annually, with a median salary of $64,200. This reflects a range where the lowest earners make around $57,900, while the highest earners can make up to $71,000.
The highest salary for a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) is $71,000. Salary data indicates a minimum of $57,900 and a mid-range salary of $64,200, reflecting the earnings potential for COTAs based on experience and location.
The salary for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) typically ranges from a minimum of $57,900 to a maximum of $71,000, with a median salary of $64,200. While some industries may offer higher pay, COTAs generally earn well within this range, reflecting their valuable contributions in various healthcare settings.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
