Occupational Therapy Assistant in Delaware: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Delaware employs 220 occupational therapy assistants, with a statewide median of $78,640 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Delaware licensing picture, and where to train.
What Occupational therapy assistants Earn in Delaware (May 2025)
- Delaware median pay
- $78,640 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $63,970
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $82,010
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $82,070
- Employed in Delaware
- 220
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $68,340 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for occupational therapy assistants in major Delaware markets:
- Philadelphia
- $76,440 (940 employed)
- Dover
- $75,440 (60 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Delaware
Prices in Delaware run right about the national average (cost-of-living index 99.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $78,640 median holds roughly its face value.
Delaware License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) — regulated by the Delaware DPR — Board of Occupational Therapy Practice.
- Earn an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree.
- Pass the NBCOT certification exam to become a COTA.
- Apply to the Delaware Board of Occupational Therapy Practice (DPR).
Official requirements: Delaware DPR — Board of Occupational Therapy Practice →
Training in Delaware
Strong demand in rehab, pediatrics, and senior care. Confirm ACOTE accreditation and fieldwork placements.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Delaware include:
- Delaware Technical Community College-Terry — Associate
Where Occupational therapy assistants Work in Delaware
Real Delaware outpatient rehab clinics that employ occupational therapy assistants include:
- Easter Seal Soc of Del-Mar Inc — New Castle
- Blue Hen Physical Therapy, Inc — Newark
- Genesis Elder Care Rehabilitation Services — Seaford
- Tidewater Phy Ther & Rehab Assoc — Seaford
- Novacare Rehabilitation — Smyrna
- Novacare Rehabilitation — Wilmington
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: Patient, practical people who enjoy helping others rebuild daily-life skills.
Think twice if: You want independent desk work or dislike clinical documentation.
Why it's resilient: Occupational therapy support blends hands-on care, adaptation, human context, and patient motivation.
First Steps
Find ACOTE-accredited OTA programs and review fieldwork requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Delaware?
The median wage for occupational therapy assistants in Delaware is $78,640 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $63,970, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $82,070. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Delaware?
Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), overseen by the Delaware DPR — Board of Occupational Therapy Practice. Earn an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree.
Is being an Occupational Therapy Assistant a good career in Delaware?
Occupational therapy support blends hands-on care, adaptation, human context, and patient motivation.
Which Delaware metros pay occupational therapy assistants the most?
Among Delaware metro areas, Philadelphia leads at $76,440, followed by Dover ($75,440). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Delaware?
Real Delaware options include Delaware Technical Community College-Terry. Most occupational therapy assistants start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Delaware statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2011. Licensing summary compiled from the Delaware DPR — Board of Occupational Therapy Practice (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Delaware wages · Delaware licensing/certification source
Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.