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Occupational Therapy Assistant in District of Columbia: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

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District of Columbia employs 60 occupational therapy assistants, with a statewide median of $66,390 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact District of Columbia licensing picture, and where to train.

What Occupational therapy assistants Earn in District of Columbia (May 2025)

District of Columbia median pay: $66,390 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $57,450
Experienced (75th percentile): $81,670
Top earners (90th percentile): $85,660
Employed in District of Columbia: 60
U.S. median (for comparison): $68,340 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for occupational therapy assistants in major District of Columbia markets:

Washington: $88,250 (420 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in District of Columbia

Prices in District of Columbia run about 10% above the national average (cost-of-living index 109.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $66,390 median is worth closer to $60,409 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in District of Columbia (2024–2034)

District of Columbia is projected to grow occupational therapy assistants employment +25.6%, faster than the +19.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 10 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

District of Columbia License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) — regulated by the DC Health — Board of Occupational Therapy.

Earn an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree.
Pass the NBCOT certification exam to become a COTA.
Apply to the DC Board of Occupational Therapy.

Official requirements: DC Health — Board of Occupational Therapy →

Training in District of Columbia

Strong demand in rehab, pediatrics, and senior care. Confirm ACOTE accreditation and fieldwork placements.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in District of Columbia include:

University of the District of Columbia — Associate

Where Occupational therapy assistants Work in District of Columbia

Real District of Columbia outpatient rehab clinics that employ occupational therapy assistants include:

Medstar Nrh Network, Lafayette — Washington
Novacare Rehabilitation — Washington
Nrh Rehabilitation Network at K Street — Washington
Capitol City Rehab and Healthcare Center — Washington
Deanwood Rehabilitation and Wellness Center — Washington
Washington Ctr for Aging Svcs — Washington

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 District of Columbia?

The median wage for occupational therapy assistants in District of Columbia is $66,390 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $57,450, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $85,660. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant in District of Columbia?

Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), overseen by the DC Health — Board of Occupational Therapy. Earn an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree.

Is being an Occupational Therapy Assistant a good career in District of Columbia?

Occupational therapy support blends hands-on care, adaptation, human context, and patient motivation.

Which District of Columbia metros pay occupational therapy assistants the most?

Among District of Columbia metro areas, Washington leads at $88,250. 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 District of Columbia?

Real District of Columbia options include University of the District of Columbia. Most occupational therapy assistants start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Occupational Therapy Assistant a growing career in District of Columbia?

District of Columbia projects occupational therapy assistants employment to change +25.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 10 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), District of Columbia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2011. Licensing summary compiled from the DC Health — Board of Occupational Therapy (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 District of Columbia wages · District of Columbia licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); 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.