Occupational Therapy Assistants
SOC Code: 31-2011 Job Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.
Advertisement
Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Occupational Therapy Assistants. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redding, CA | $69,077 | $82,326 | $95,576 | $108,826 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $76,336 | $86,195 | $96,034 | $105,893 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $76,232 | $85,904 | $95,576 | $105,248 |
| Modesto, CA | $77,605 | $86,757 | $95,888 | $105,040 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $74,963 | $84,718 | $94,474 | $104,229 |
| Vallejo, CA | $75,046 | $84,157 | $93,288 | $102,398 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $74,880 | $83,990 | $93,080 | $102,190 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $74,526 | $83,699 | $92,851 | $102,024 |
| Chico, CA | $73,466 | $82,098 | $90,709 | $99,341 |
| Merced, CA | $70,158 | $79,810 | $89,461 | $99,112 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Service Orientation | 3.9 | |
| Active Listening | 3.9 | |
| Speaking | 3.9 | |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.9 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.6 | |
| Time Management | 3.5 | |
| Monitoring | 3.4 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.4 | |
| Active Learning | 3.2 | |
| Instructing | 3.2 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Customer and Personal Service | 4.7 |
| Psychology | 4.3 |
| Education and Training | 3.9 |
| English Language | 3.7 |
| Therapy and Counseling | 3.7 |
| Public Safety and Security | 3.4 |
| Sociology and Anthropology | 3.1 |
| Administrative | 3.1 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| Associate's degree | 91.7% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 5.1% |
| Bachelor's degree | 2.7% |
Typical Tasks
- Observe and record patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior and maintain this information in client records.
- Maintain and promote a positive attitude toward clients and their treatment programs.
- Monitor patients' performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement.
- Select therapy activities to fit patients' needs and capabilities.
- Instruct, or assist in instructing, patients and families in home programs, basic living skills, or the care and use of adaptive equipment.
- Evaluate the daily living skills or capacities of clients with physical, developmental, or mental health disabilities.
- Aid patients in dressing and grooming themselves.
- Implement, or assist occupational therapists with implementing, treatment plans designed to help clients function independently.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Facebook Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Windows Microsoft Word eClinicalWorks EHR software Accounting software Billing software Bookkeeping software BrainTrain Captain's Log BrainTrain IVA+Plus BrainTrain SmartDriver
Calculate your wage level for Occupational Therapy Assistants →
Advertisement
H-1B Guides & Resources
Looking for an H-1B immigration attorney?
Find experienced immigration lawyers in our attorney directory.