Ranking table
OTA settings ranked by median annual wage
Official data is kept separate from The OT Index scoring and interpretation so readers can see what is measured and what is judgment.
| Rank | Option | Score | Median annual wage | The OT Index read | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Home healthcare services | A | $76,800 | Highest published major-setting median | OTAs comfortable with travel, independence, and variable daily routing. | Mileage, cancellations, and documentation systems affect the true value. |
| 2 | Nursing care facilities | A- | $75,860 | Close second among major settings | OTAs seeking high treatment volume and repeated clinical reps. | Productivity expectations can be intense. |
| 3 | Therapy offices | B+ | $65,590 | Stable outpatient pathway | OTAs who want clinic-based schedules and local patient continuity. | Market strength depends on referrals, payer mix, and specialty demand. |
| 4 | Hospitals | B+ | $65,280 | Similar pay to therapy offices | OTAs who want interdisciplinary exposure and medical complexity. | Hospital OTA roles can be more limited in some markets. |
| 5 | Educational services | B | $59,240 | Lower pay, often better calendar fit | OTAs drawn to pediatrics and school-year schedules. | State practice rules and supervision models matter. |