Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in District of Columbia
Occupational Therapy Assistants in District of Columbia earn a median of $66,390 a year ($31.92 an hour), based on BLS data for 60 workers.
Pay ranges from $57,450 for the lowest-paid 10% to $85,660 for the top 10%. That is 8% lower than the national median of $72,300. District of Columbia ranks 28th of 50 states for occupational therapy assistants pay. There are 0.09 occupational therapy assistants per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.27). The average (mean) salary is $71,110, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for occupational therapy assistants in District of Columbia
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $57,450 | $27.62 |
| 25th percentile | $66,390 | $31.92 |
| Median | $66,390 | $31.92 |
| 75th percentile | $81,670 | $39.27 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $85,660 | $41.18 |
| Average (mean) | $71,110 | $34.19 |
Half of occupational therapy assistants earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,532.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,766.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,553.46 |
| Weekly | $1,276.73 |
| Hourly | $31.92 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $66,390 salary, see how much house you can afford in District of Columbia at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in cities in District of Columbia
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $88,250 | 420 |
Highest-paying states for occupational therapy assistants
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Maryland | $82,010 |
| California | $81,770 |
| Texas | $81,500 |
| Nevada | $79,510 |
| Arkansas | $78,940 |
| Delaware | $78,640 |
| Washington | $77,590 |
| New Mexico | $77,020 |
| Oregon | $76,850 |
| Georgia | $75,920 |
Related jobs in District of Columbia
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $63,400 | $30.48 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $38,950 | $18.72 |
| Occupational Therapy Aide | $39,620 | $19.05 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $42,700 | $20.53 |
| Nursing Assistant | $47,700 | $22.93 |
| Medical Assistant | $51,050 | $24.54 |
| Dental Assistant | $60,580 | $29.13 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $73,590 | $35.38 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $48,670 | $23.40 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $49,080 | $23.60 |
| Phlebotomist | $51,980 | $24.99 |
| Massage Therapist | $64,110 | $30.82 |
| Orderly | $39,250 | $18.87 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $59,960 | $28.83 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in District of Columbia
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-2011. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make in District of Columbia?
The median salary for occupational therapy assistants in District of Columbia is $66,390 a year, or $31.92 an hour. Pay ranges from $57,450 for the lowest-paid 10% to $85,660 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid occupational therapy assistants make in District of Columbia?
The top 10% of occupational therapy assistants in District of Columbia earn at least $85,660 a year. The top 25% earn $81,670 or more.
What is the starting pay for occupational therapy assistants in District of Columbia?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $57,450 a year, and a quarter of occupational therapy assistants earn $66,390 or less.
How many occupational therapy assistants work in District of Columbia?
About 60 occupational therapy assistants are employed in District of Columbia, not counting the self-employed.