travel occupational therapy assistant salary

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Occupational Therapist & Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Guide

Exploring careers in healthcare reveals a variety of paths one can take, each with its own unique set of roles, responsibilities, and rewards. Among these, the fields of occupational therapy offer promising opportunities for those interested in making a significant impact on individuals' lives through therapeutic practices. 

Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) play crucial roles in helping patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. Check out our OT Career Guide for more information on this fulfilling career. 

Before we dive into the intricacies of their salaries, let's briefly outline what OTs and OTAs are and how they differ.

What is the Difference Between an Occupational Therapist (OT) vs Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)?

The primary distinction between an OT and an OTA lies in their education and scope of practice. 

Occupational Therapist: OTs require a master's degree or higher in occupational therapy and must pass a national examination to become licensed. They are responsible for assessing patients and developing treatment plans. 

Occupational Therapy Assistant: OTAs, on the other hand, typically hold an associate degree and work under the supervision of OTs to implement treatment plans.

Achieving a higher tier of salary as an OT involves obtaining specialized certifications, gaining years of experience, and sometimes pursuing further education. OTAs can also enhance their earning potential by advancing their skills, gaining experience in specialized areas, and taking on supervisory roles.

How Much Does an Occupational Therapist Make?

The salary for Occupational Therapists can vary widely depending on factors such as location, experience, and the setting in which they work. On average, OTs can expect to earn between $63,320 and $123,870 annually . The median annual wage is $93,180, which equals $44.80/hour. 

The financial compensation for OTs reflects the critical nature of their work and the requisite skill set, encompassing a broad spectrum influenced by several pivotal factors:

Primarily, the annual salary range for Occupational Therapists is subject to variation based on geographical location. Urban areas and regions with a higher cost of living typically offer higher salaries to reflect the increased living expenses. 

Experience levels play a crucial role in determining an OT's salary. Entry-level positions might start at the lower end of the salary range, but with time, continued education, and accumulated on-the-job experience, OTs can see substantial growth in their earnings. Specializations within the field of occupational therapy, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or physical rehabilitation, can also lead to higher wages due to the specialized skills and knowledge required.

Employment settings also contribute to the variability in OT salaries. OTs working in specialized healthcare facilities, such as acute care hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private clinics, may command higher salaries compared to those in public health or educational settings. 

How Much Does an Occupational Therapy Assistant Make?

Occupational Therapy Assistants also see a range in salaries based on similar factors. The typical annual salary for OTAs lies between $25,100 and $68,070. While the median annual wage of $37,060 for Occupational Therapy Assistants provides a general guideline, the actual earnings can significantly differ based on a number of factors, including location, experience, education, specialization, and the specific needs of the employment setting. 

As the field continues to evolve and expand, the potential for Occupational Therapy Assistants to increase their earning capacity and professional development opportunities likewise grows, reflecting the indispensable role they play in delivering compassionate and effective care to those in need.

What are the top-paying states for OTs?

OTs find the highest average yearly salaries in states such as California, Nevada, and New Jersey. Salaries in these states can range from $104,710 to $109,220 annually .

Salary Range Considerations:

Factors influencing these ranges include the cost of living, demand for occupational therapy services, and the availability of professionals in the area.

What are the top-paying states for OTAs?

For OTAs, states like Texas, California, and New Jersey offer the highest average yearly salaries, ranging from $ 74,750 to $ 80,670 .

Similar to OTs, the salaries for OTAs are influenced by local demand, cost of living, and competition within the field.

Does seasonality impact pay for Occupational Therapists/OTAs?

While occupational therapy services are in consistent demand throughout the year, there can be fluctuations based on seasonal needs, particularly in areas like school-based therapy or certain travel assignments.

What is the job outlook like for Occupational Therapists/OTAs?

The job outlook for both OTs and OTAs is positive, with expected growth rates higher than the average for all occupations in the next ten years. OT positions are expected to grow by 12% , while OTA jobs are increasing by 23% . This growth is driven by an aging population, increased recognition of the benefits of occupational therapy services, and expanded coverage by health insurance.

Travel Occupational Therapist Salary

Travel Occupational Therapists often enjoy higher salaries compared to their permanently placed counterparts due to the demand in high-need areas. The average salary for traveling OTs is $94,375 annually , not including potential bonuses and benefits.

Travel Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary

Similarly, traveling OTAs can expect to earn more than staff OTAs, with salaries averaging $45,566 annually along with additional benefits and allowances.

Find an Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant Job with Trusted Health

Choosing a career in occupational therapy not only offers the satisfaction of making a tangible difference in people's lives but also provides a lucrative and stable career path. When you're drawn to the flexibility of travel assignments, Trusted Health is here to help you find the perfect fit.  Explore a wealth of opportunities and take the next step in your career with us!

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Amanda is a nurse with over ten years of experience in clinical settings. She is an expert in family medicine as well as various specialties. Her holistic approach to health focuses on wellness and preventative care. She now writes content for health and wellness brands under her company name, Locksley Content.

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Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2022)

• Post date --> December 15, 2021

I created this article to provide in-depth occupational therapy assistant salary data. Whether you’re still considering if a career as an OTA is right for you, you’re looking at options for your first OTA job , or you’re simply curious about how your pay compares to the national average, this article aims to give you a better idea of how much money OTAs tend to make in the US.

I do want to add that OTA salary is not always a black-and-white topic; after all, the traditional medical model means much of an OTA’s pay is based on reimbursement and market saturation. That said, there has been increased focus on outcomes-based (versus fee-based) reimbursements, so I realize we’re in a time of flux in the occupational therapy world. So, don’t worry—I will keep updating this article each year 🙂

Throughout this article, we will be referring to occupational therapy assistants as OTAs, but when we do so, keep in mind that any number will are also referring to certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA)s and their respective salaries.

Important: If you are looking for OT salary info, please visit Your Occupational Salary Guide (2022) .

Average OTA Salary ($56,684)

This average was calculated by OT Potential. We took the average from the above databases to create a master OTA salary average.

We based this number on an average of numerous reputable websites’ salary data for OTAs.

However, before we dive into the nitty gritty, I want to start out with discussing what the average OTA salary really is.

I include many sources in this article, and each salary resource collects its data using unique methods and looking at different factors. Here’s what this means:

• Some websites break down salaries between states (or even cities)
• Some websites break them down per experience level
• Some websites present findings as means (averages) while others use medians (which I’ll explain more in depth in a moment)

In addition to these variables, each salary resource also has its own collection bias, which is based on who chooses to submit data, who uses the resource, and how the data itself is collected.

We have chosen to base calculations on an average of all the data we found, some of which is presented as median vs. mean findings. Let’s quickly cover the difference between the two.

Median vs. mean OTA salary

“Median” means when all the salaries collected by survey respondents are listed from lowest to highest, there is usually a hump or cluster where most salaries lie. At the very center of that hump is the median. There might be some outlier OTAs who make way more or less than that amount, but that data won’t skew the median.  

On the other hand, the “mean” (average) is calculated by adding up all of the salaries of survey respondents (including the outliers), then dividing them by the total number of responses. An outlier salary that is very low, or very high, can easily skew the mean—though an outlier’s impact is decreased when more salaries are included in the calculation.

The impact of outliers on a mean is very important in this consideration, though, as quite a few OTAs work part-time or PRN, and their annual salaries are lower, which could skew the mean results toward the lower end.

In any case, I have listed our sources below in alphabetical order, and will make a point to specify whether their data is listed as median or mean.

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) salary info

The AOTA is the professional organization for the occupational therapy field. AOTA runs its own salary survey and updates it every few years. The last year it did so was 2015.

According to the AOTA, the median annual pay for OTAs in 2018 was $50,481.

However, experience does impact an OTA’s earning potential. For example, a brand-new OTA with under a year of experience will make a median salary of $44,235. An experienced OTA with between seven and nine years of experience will make a median salary of $51,810. Interestingly enough, additional experience beyond nine years doesn’t seem to make much difference per the AOTA’s findings; an OTA with 26+ years of experience will earn a median salary of $57,242. (Although, it’s important to note from the graphic below that this calculation itself might be considered an outlier; the same calculations indicate an average salary of $58,351 with 21-25 years of experience.)

Salary By Years of Experience

Data according to the AOTA Salary and Workforce Survey .

Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) salary info

The BLS is part of the US Department of Labor , which is the federal agency that monitors the labor industry. The BLS is considered an independent statistical agency, and that’s why many institutions choose to rely on BLS data for their research. Generally speaking, the BLS will list data from approximately the past two years.

According to the BLS, the median* annual pay for OTAs in 2020 was $60,950 per year.

*Please note that the BLS uses median pay, while other sites report their findings as means.

OTSalary.com salary info

OTSalary.com was created by Kate Washa Boyd. She is an OT with a passion for helping other OTs earn what they deserve, and her website collects data from visitors in an attempt to improve visibility into OT salaries.

This website is incredibly informative, as you can sort salary data by years of experience, job type, state, education level, etc. The best way to use the site is to download the information so you can sort it yourself!

We ran some numbers based on her spreadsheet. Keep in mind that data on OTSalary is self-selecting, meaning only people who know about her site know to submit their salary info.

According to OTSalary, the mean salary of OTAs who reported working full-time (40+ hours per week) is $57,322.

Share Your OT/OTA Salary Info to Help Others .

PayScale salary info

PayScale is one of my favorite sources of info because it is one of the very first salary websites, pioneering the use of big data in its calculations—plus, salary data is pretty much all it covers. Unlike some of the other salary websites out there, PayScale’s data tends to skew on the lower side—but its data is also close to the AOTA’s findings, so we find that it reflects the reality of OTA salaries pretty well.

According to PayScale, the average annual salary of an OTA is $52,931 per year.

Salary.com salary info

Salary.com is another established player in the salary game, but we’ve noticed that its numbers tend to skew higher than what we typically hear on an anecdotal basis. And this applies to all salaries, not just healthcare ones, so take its results with a grain of salt. That said, this number is closer to the median BLS findings, so don’t discount it altogether.

According to Salary, the average annual salary of an OTA is $61,735 per year.

Do OTAs make a lot of money?

Frankly, this is not an easy question to answer. According to the US Census Bureau, median annual 2019 salary for male workers was $57,456 and for female workers was $47,299. OTA salaries, according to our calculations and BLS’ calculations, are slightly higher than those figures, at least for women. So, one might say that OTAs do make at least an average salary, if not slightly higher than that.

At the same time, you can always find professions with astronomically high salaries, such as anesthesiologists and radiologists, and OTAs seem to make very little in comparison.

All things considered, your salary as an OTA is only part of your bigger financial picture. Much of your overall financial health depends on additional factors, including (but not limited to):

• Loans (including student loans, home loans, car loans, etc.)
• Dependents (including children, pets, and aging parents, etc.)
• Lifestyle expenses
• Health and medical expenses
• Overall cost of living (the Bay Area is much pricier than, say, Aurora, Nebraska!)

We also think it’s worth noting that OTAs do make a pretty nice salary compared to OTs, when you take student debt load into consideration. OTs do generally have a higher earning potential, as well as more autonomy, though, so it is likely a toss-up which is better for you.

How much can a new grad OTA make straight out of school?

It’s also a bit tough to provide a set number that an OTA can expect to make right out of school. Just a few of the factors that play into this number include:

• Where you work (location)
• Patient population
• Schedule (the hours and days you work)
• How much you negotiate

That said, according to the AOTA, a new grad OTA will earn a median salary of $44,235 per year.

Again, you can definitely make more money straight out of school if you choose certain locations, settings, and patient populations—and you’ll almost definitely earn a significantly higher salary if you opt to travel as a new grad OTA.

Can OTAs expect to have salary growth across their careers?

The short answer is, “not exactly.”

Unfortunately, after around 20-25 years of working as an OTA, you’re usually looking at about a $15,000-$20,000 difference in your annual salary. While that might sound like a nice pay bump, it’s more likely that your raises will simply keep up with the normal inflation rates in the US.

How have OTA salaries changed over the years?

We were able to manually extract data from BLS spanning the last 20 years. According to the BLS, in 1998, the median annual salary for an OT assistants was $29,710, and today it is $60,950.

Much like home values and the stock market, the median OTA salary certainly increased during the last 20 years. And, unlike OT salaries, which have largely stagnated over the last two decades, OTA salaries have seen significant growth per the BLS.

Where can I find more info on OTA salaries?

First of all, I recommend that you check out the sources I listed above. Many are continually collecting data, and some update their sites as frequently as once per year (if not more often).

Also, please take the time to submit your salary information to as many of the sources listed as possible. In order for these sources to report accurate data, they need people to submit their earnings.

How can I make more money as an OTA?

There are plenty of ways to increase your earning potential as an OTA. Here are just some of those ways:

Pick a high-paying setting

As is the case with OTs, the SNF (skilled nursing facility) and HHOT (home health occupational therapy) settings typically pay higher wages than schools and hospitals. Academia pays the best of all, with median pay for OTAs sitting at $62,250.

Median OTA Annual Salaries by Work Setting

Work in one of the highest-paying states.

According to the BLS, California and Nevada pay the highest annual mean (yes, wages are reported as means in this section of the BLS) wage to OTAs, at $73,930. This is on par with the average OT salary nationwide! New Jersey, Texas, and Connecticut are not far behind with OTA salaries, with all of them averaging over $68,000 annually.

I will mention that I’m often asked why certain states pay more than others, and it’s simply not an easy question to answer. Just a few factors that influence pay rates in any state include:

• Reimbursement contract rates
• Cost of living
• Market saturation
• Demand for care

Consider becoming a travel OTA

Travel OTA positions are not nearly as plentiful as travel OT positions, but they’re out there—and they almost always pay more than permanent roles. That said, the travel industry is notoriously shady, so I recommend that you work with Nomadicare so that you don’t get taken advantage of.

As an affiliate and a friend of Laura’s, I completely support and believe in the Nomadicare mission. Check out her site here !

If you’re looking to maximize your hourly pay, working PRN (or per diem) might be the answer. Employers tend to issue higher hourly rates to therapists who don’t receive PTO or other benefits, so if you don’t need health insurance through your employer, this could be a good route to explore.

The flip side is that PRN gigs typically offer no guarantee of hours; this means you might be called off at the last minute without pay.

Negotiate your OTA salary

I used to lose sleep worrying about negotiating my salary—but I truly believe negotiating for what you’re worth is essential to finding satisfaction in your OTA career.

Here are just a few reasons to negotiate your OTA salary:

• You will be happier with an employment contract where you helped set the parameters
• Negotiating will show you how the company treats its employees
• Your skillset is worth it

My friend Emily always says, “Don’t ask, don’t get.” I cannot agree more!

How to negotiate your OTA salary

Negotiating a proper OTA salary is not that hard. You simply need to state the facts—and have a solid rationale for requesting more pay.

A good salary negotiation is always founded in research.

First of all, you’ll want to gather as much information as you can about comparable positions. You might be the best OTA ever created, but you cannot earn more than what the market can support.

I also recommend that you explore the resources cited in this article; you can find much more nuanced data on salaries if you do some digging. When you’re doing your research, also consider the number of years you’ve been in practice, your chosen setting and patient population, and any OTA specializations or certifications you might hold.

Sometimes, despite your best attempts at negotiation, a job simply won’t budge on salary. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re not being offered a salary commensurate with your value. The good news is you can often negotiate your overall compensation package in non-salary areas, including:

• Additional PTO and/or unpaid leave for pre-planned trips
• Continuing education allowances
• A flexible schedule
• AOTA and/or NBCOT membership
• Loan repayment options
• A mentorship plan

Additional negotiating resources

I provide additional details about my own negotiating experiences in my post, Occupational Therapy Job Negotiations . Also, I found the StoryBrand Podcast episode #26 – 5 Strategies That Will Make You a Strong Negotiator very helpful, as it helps to normalize the idea of negotiation.

I’ve given you the lay of the land in terms of what types of OTA salaries are out there, as well as roughly what you can expect to earn based on your unique circumstances.

However, I also want to mention that salary is only one of the many factors you should consider if you’re pursuing an OTA career. After all, the most important consideration is whether you would enjoy being an OTA in the first place.

One reply on “Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2022)”

very good article with good information. i have a phone interview tomorrow for home health as a COTA, i’m nervous and i need as much prep for it as i could!

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Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary

Overall Score 5.5 / 10

• # 7 in Best Health Care Support Jobs
• # 44 in 100 Best Jobs

How Much Does an Occupational Therapy Assistant Make?

Salary outlook, best-paying cities for occupational therapy assistants, the 5 best-paying cities for occupational therapy assistants.

Best-Paying States for Occupational Therapy Assistants

The states and districts that pay Occupational Therapy Assistants the highest mean salary are California ($80,670), New Jersey ($77,050), Texas ($74,750), Maryland ($71,810), and Delaware ($71,360).

Average Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay vs. Other Best Jobs

Physician Assistant

Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Occupational Therapy Aide

Home Health Aide

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary

An occupational therapy assistant’s salary depends on factors such as which state you live in, who your employer is, how much experience you have, and the type of facility you work in. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the job outlook for occupational therapy assistants is excellent. In fact, it’s one of the fastest-growing fields in medicine , and that growth is unlikely to slow down any time soon. 

The average annual salary for OTAs is $61,730, according to a BLS report from May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $46,810, and the top 10 percent earned more than $80,210.

Occupational therapy assistants can earn more money if they are experienced in certain areas. For example, OTAs who are trained to work with children may have an easier time finding a job at a preschool. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the best-paying jobs are in clients’ homes, nursing facilities, and hospitals.

• OTAs in Hawaii, Nevada, California, and New Jersey can make as much as $72,000+ per year.
• The lowest salaries are in South Dakota, Wisconsin, Idaho, and Michigan, where most OTAs make under $50,000 per year.

These figures are averages, however, and your salary can also depend on other factors such as where you work and who you work for. Also, the field of occupational therapy is expected to grow over the next decade.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary by State

The following chart was created based on data provided by the BLS .

Occupational Therapy Assistants (SOC code 312011) Period: May 2021

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A Comprehensive Guide to Occupational Therapist Travel Jobs: Outlook, Salary, and More

Table of Contents

Are you contemplating a career as a travel occupational therapist, or considering adding travel assignments to your existing occupational therapy career? This comprehensive guide will put an insight into what occupational therapist travel jobs involve, the job outlook and salaries for such positions, the roles and duties of certified assistants in the field, and the impact of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact on travel OT jobs. Join us and veneer into this rewarding and exciting profession!

What Does an Occupational Therapist Travel Job Entail?

Travel occupational therapists, also known as traveling OTs or travel OTs, are licensed occupational therapists who take temporary assignments around the country rather than working for a single healthcare facility long-term. Travel OT jobs allow therapists to gain experience in different settings and locations while enjoying a lucrative salary and benefits.

Instead of being employed directly by a facility, travel OTs typically work for staffing agencies that contract them out to various hospitals, schools, clinics, and nursing homes needing temporary OT staffing. Assignments usually last around 3 months, though they can range from 8 weeks to a year.

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Who are Travel Occupational Therapists?

Traveling OTs have the same education and licensing as traditional occupational therapists - they must have a master's degree from an accredited OT program and pass the national board exam to become licensed. However, travel OTs tend to be more adventurous and open to frequent change compared to OTs who work regular full-time jobs.

Travel therapists may be recent OT graduates gaining experience, parents or caregivers wanting schedule flexibility, or seasoned therapists looking to earn a higher salary or experience new locations and facilities. The travel lifestyle allows OTs freedom and variety in their careers.

What does a Travel Occupational Therapy Job involve?

The day-to-day work of a traveling OT is similar to that of a permanent OT staff member. Traveling OTs perform occupational therapy assessments and interventions for clients of all ages and abilities in their temporary work setting. This can include assisting children with disabilities in schools, helping elderly patients recover daily living skills in a nursing facility, or treating injured workers in an outpatient clinic.

However, travel therapists must adapt quickly to new documentation systems, treatment protocols, and workplace cultures with each assignment. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential to integrate into new therapy teams frequently. Traveling OTs also manage their own housing, travel, and expenses associated with assignments in different locations.

What are the Physical Requirements for a Travel OT Job?

Traveling occupational therapists need sufficient mobility and strength to safely demonstrate exercises, assist patients with moving and transfers, and endure prolonged periods of standing and walking required in most OT settings. They must be able to push/pull up to 50 lbs when assisting patients.

Good visual acuity and manual dexterity are required to perform OT evaluations and interventions. Clear communication skills are essential to educate patients and family members. Travel OTs must also have a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the ability to navigate new locations independently.

How Does the Occupational Therapist Travel Job Outlook and Salary Compare?

What is the job outlook for an occupational therapist travel job.

The job outlook for travel occupational therapists is very strong. Occupational therapy is an in-demand field, with the number of OT jobs projected to grow 16% from 2020-2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Traveling OT positions are abundant and offer unmatched flexibility.

There is high demand from healthcare facilities and schools to fill temporary OT staffing needs. Traveling provides work opportunities not available to therapists restricted to one geographic area. As baby boomers age and healthcare expands, demand and opportunities for travel OTs will continue increasing nationwide.

Understanding the Salary of a Travel Occupational Therapist

One of the biggest appeals of travel OT jobs is the high earning potential. Traveling therapists typically earn $50-100+/hour depending on experience and location. Most assignments also include stipends for housing, travel, and meals along with benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.

The average annual salary for a travel OT ranges from $75,000-120,000+, allowing seasoned therapists to earn over six figures while enjoying an adventurous lifestyle. Travel OTs have more control over their schedules and earnings compared to permanent staff OTs.

How does the Salary and Outlook of OT Travel Jobs compare to Traditional Occupational Therapy Roles?

Overall, travel occupational therapy positions offer higher pay, greater flexibility, and more abundant job opportunities compared to traditional facility-based OT roles. The national average salary for permanent full-time OTs is $87,480 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

While the job outlook for all OTs is strong, travel therapists have the advantage of broader geographic options and shorter-term commitments. The travel OT lifestyle also allows more control over one's schedule and career. However, travel jobs may not suit Therapists wanting location stability or facility seniority.

In summary, therapists seeking adventure, flexibility and higher earnings may thrive in travel OT work. But permanent OT roles allow the establish

The Importance of Certification: Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant VS Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Proper certification is crucial for occupational therapy assistants and aides. There are two main certification paths - Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). While the titles sound similar, there are important distinctions between the two.

What are the roles and duties of a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant?

A Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) works directly under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT). The COTA carries out the OT's treatment plans and programs, while providing direct patient care. Typical duties of a COTA include:

• Helping patients perform activities of daily living (ADLs) like dressing, bathing, eating, etc.
• Assisting with therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques, and use of adaptive equipment
• Educating patients and families on home programs and strategies
• Documenting patient progress, treatment outcomes, and recommendations
• Modifying treatment plans as needed under OT supervision
• Collaborating with OTs, physical therapists, speech therapists, nurses, and physicians as part of a rehabilitation team

COTAs must graduate from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program, pass the national certification exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), and meet state licensure requirements.

How does a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant fit into Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy aims to help people regain independence and function in all facets of life. While occupational therapists (OTs) assess patients, develop treatment plans, and oversee outcomes - COTAs play a critical hands-on role in implementing the prescribed interventions. The OT provides direction and supervision, but the COTA works directly with patients delivering occupational therapy services. This collaborative approach allows the OT to focus on complex cases and evaluations, while the COTA handles routine aspects of treatment. Together, they are able to provide complete occupational therapy to a wider range of patients.

The Differences and Similarities between a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant and a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

At first glance, the titles Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) appear almost identical. However, there are some notable differences:

• A COTA (Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant) works under the supervision of an OT to provide occupational therapy services. They must graduate from an accredited COTA program and pass the NBCOT exam.
• A COTA (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant) works under the supervision of a COTA or OT, mainly providing support services. They are not directly involved in treatment. No formal education or certification is required.

The main similarities are that both roles work in occupational therapy settings under the oversight of OTs. However, the COTA is considered a paraprofessional clinician, while the COTA has no clinical duties. Using the appropriate terminology helps avoid confusion between these two distinct assisting roles.

Understanding the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact and its Impact on Travel Occupational Therapy Jobs

What is the occupational therapy licensure compact (ot compact).

The Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (OT Compact) is an agreement between participating states to allow licensed occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) to practice in other compact member states without needing to obtain additional licenses. Currently, 19 states have enacted OT Compact legislation.

This interstate compact works by establishing a multistate OT/OTA license that allows practitioners to provide telehealth or temporary in-person services across state lines, given they meet uniform licensure requirements. These requirements include: background checks, graduation from an accredited program, passage of the NBCOT exam, and no history of discipline.

How does the OT Compact Impact Travel OT Jobs?

For travel occupational therapists, the OT Compact significantly expands job opportunities by removing some of the barriers with multi-state licensing. Without the compact, traveling OTs would need to obtain a full license in each state they planned to work in - which is burdensome and costly.

With the compact, OTs only need their home state license and the multistate compact license to unlock work opportunities in all currently participating compact states. This makes short-term and locum tenens assignments more feasible across state lines. The compact also allows easier application of telehealth. Overall, the OT Compact facilitates greater mobility and access for therapists and patients.

The Advantages and Limitations of the OT Compact for Traveling Occupational Therapists

• Saves time and money by avoiding multiple state license applications
• Increases number of job opportunities across state lines
• Allows temporary in-person and telehealth services in participating states
• Promotes license portability and therapist mobility

Limitations

• Still need to register with each state licensing board when practicing there
• Does not include all states currently (only 19 participating states)
• Requirements may vary slightly between compact states
• Cannot practice in non-compact states without separate full license

While the OT Compact has some limitations, it is a major step forward in opening up travel therapy opportunities. As more states join, it will reduce licensing barriers and increase job flexibility.

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Travel occupational therapist salary in the united states.

How much does a Travel Occupational Therapist make in the United States? The salary range for a Travel Occupational Therapist job is from $48,970 to $85,067 per year in the United States. Click on the filter to check out Travel Occupational Therapist job salaries by hourly, weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, monthly, and yearly.

• Per semimonth
• Connecticut
• District of Columbia
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• New Hampshire
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• West Virginia
• San Francisco, CA
• Washington, DC
• Chicago, IL
• New York, NY

HOW SHOULD YOU USE THIS DATA?

Employees: Use this as a guide for salary expectations, but be aware that responsibilities can change across companies for the same job title, so there may be differences between this data, other free site and our subscription products bought by employers.

Employers: This data could be used as reference point in your market pricing, but not the only source, due to differences across jobs locations, and sizes of companies.Consider additional sources like our Employer reported data.

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Highest Paying Cities for Travel Occupational Therapist in the United States

States with higher salaries for travel occupational therapist, how much do similar professions get paid in the united states, how much should you be earning, what does a travel occupational therapist do.

It’s hard not to see the flashy promises of doubling your salary and beautiful pictures of exotic locales and wonder if becoming a travel occupational therapist could be right for you.

Whether you’re a new grad or seasoned therapist nearing retirement, you’ve probably been curious about travel therapy at some point in your career.

Generally, most of the companies provide a mentor to the therapists who travel with them and provide aid and assistance at every stage.

Are you a part of the Travel Therapy Therapists FB group? They always have such great advice or at the very least encouragement.

Travel therapy is a career option for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists who are looking for short-term contracts at facilities across the country.

View Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles, 18 Industries, and 26 Job Families.

Most Common Benefits for Travel Occupational Therapist

Related companies for travel occupational therapist in the united states, frequently asked questions, do i receive fair pay as a travel occupational therapist currently, what are the responsibilities of a travel occupational therapist, how much do similar jobs to travel occupational therapist make.

• Certified Occupational Therapist
• Occupational Therapist (OT)
• Registered Occupational Therapist
• Pediatric Occupational Therapist
• Occupational Therapist, PRN
• Lead Occupational Therapist
• School Occupational Therapist

Where can I get a higher Travel Occupational Therapist salary in the United States?

What is the travel occupational therapist's salary range in the united states, career insights.