Occupational therapy assistants
SOC Code: 31-2011
Occupational therapy assistants carries a 25% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $68,340 and +19.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 49,200 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011) carries an AI exposure score of 25%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 49,200 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +19.2% change through 2034 — a strong growth outlook that compensates meaningfully for automation risk. Median annual compensation stands at $68,340, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Associate's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Occupational therapy assistants. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Instruct, or assist in instructing, patients and families in home programs, basic living skills, or the care and use of adaptive equipment.
- 2. Maintain and promote a positive attitude toward clients and their treatment programs.
- 3. Report to supervisors, verbally or in writing, on patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior.
- 4. Implement, or assist occupational therapists with implementing, treatment plans designed to help clients function independently.
- 5. Monitor patients' performance in therapy activities, providing encouragement.
- 6. Observe and record patients' progress, attitudes, and behavior and maintain this information in client records.
- 7. Select therapy activities to fit patients' needs and capabilities.
- 8. Attend continuing education classes.
- 9. Aid patients in dressing and grooming themselves.
- 10. Evaluate the daily living skills or capacities of clients with physical, developmental, or mental health disabilities.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Reading Comprehension
- Time Management
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Writing
- Active Learning
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Psychology
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Therapy and Counseling
- Public Safety and Security
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Administrative
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Computers and Electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Occupational therapy assistants?
Occupational therapy assistants has an AI exposure score of 25%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Occupational therapy assistants?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Occupational therapy assistants is projected to grow by 19.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 49,200 workers.
What skills are needed for Occupational therapy assistants?
Key skills for Occupational therapy assistants include Active Listening, Speaking, Social Perceptiveness, and others. Typical entry-level education is Associate's degree.
How much do Occupational therapy assistants earn?
The median annual wage for Occupational therapy assistants is $68,340, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Occupational therapy assistants?
The typical entry-level education for Occupational therapy assistants is Associate's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Occupational therapy assistants?
Occupational therapy assistants roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).