Ranked results
OTA settings ranked by median annual wage
Start with the rank, key stats, decision context, and the reason each option lands where it does.
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #1 ranks here
Why we ranked it here At #1, Home healthcare services has published median pay of $76,800. That is the highest published major-setting median. Pay is the main reason for this position; schedule, role flexibility, and workload make up the rest of the comparison.
Who it may suitOTAs comfortable with travel, independence, and variable daily routing.
Where it falls shortMileage, cancellations, and documentation systems affect the true value.
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #2 ranks here
Why we ranked it here At #2, Nursing care facilities has published median pay of $75,860. The ranking describes this as close second among major settings. Pay is the main reason for this position; schedule, role flexibility, and workload make up the rest of the comparison.
Who it may suitOTAs seeking high treatment volume and repeated clinical reps.
Where it falls shortProductivity expectations can be intense.
Rank #3
Therapy offices
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #3 ranks here
Why we ranked it here At #3, Therapy offices has published median pay of $65,590. The ranking describes this as stable outpatient pathway. Pay is the main reason for this position; schedule, role flexibility, and workload make up the rest of the comparison.
Who it may suitOTAs who want clinic-based schedules and local patient continuity.
Where it falls shortMarket strength depends on referrals, payer mix, and specialty demand.
Rank #4
Hospitals
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #4 ranks here
Why we ranked it here At #4, Hospitals has published median pay of $65,280. The ranking describes this as similar pay to therapy offices. Pay is the main reason for this position; schedule, role flexibility, and workload make up the rest of the comparison.
Who it may suitOTAs who want interdisciplinary exposure and medical complexity.
Where it falls shortHospital OTA roles can be more limited in some markets.
Show ranking detailsHide ranking detailsWhy #5 ranks here
Why we ranked it here At #5, Educational services has published median pay of $59,240. The ranking describes this as lower pay, often better calendar fit. Pay is the main reason for this position; schedule, role flexibility, and workload make up the rest of the comparison.
Who it may suitOTAs drawn to pediatrics and school-year schedules.
Keep in mindState practice rules and supervision models matter.
Decision guide
How to use this ranking
Use this ranking when you are comparing OTA roles, estimating return on an assistant pathway, or deciding whether to bridge later.
Use it this way
- Compare OTA wages by setting, then check whether local employers use assistants heavily in that setting.
- Account for supervision, productivity, benefits, and schedule before comparing hourly numbers.
- Use OT-vs-OTA guidance if you are still deciding which credential fits your long-term goals.
Decision factors
- How are OTA supervision and documentation handled in this setting?
- Are there enough assistant roles in the market where I want to work?
- Would the role still fit if I never bridge to OT?