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Occupational Therapy Assistant in Georgia: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

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Georgia employs 1,060 occupational therapy assistants, with a statewide median of $75,920 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Georgia licensing picture, and where to train.

What Occupational therapy assistants Earn in Georgia (May 2025)

Georgia median pay: $75,920 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $55,840
Experienced (75th percentile): $79,010
Top earners (90th percentile): $86,830
Employed in Georgia: 1,060
U.S. median (for comparison): $68,340 (May 2024)

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

Atlanta metro: $78,180 (590 employed)
Savannah: $72,120 (40 employed)
Augusta: $67,780 (100 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Georgia

Prices in Georgia run about 4% below the national average (cost-of-living index 96.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $75,920 median stretches to roughly $78,837 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Georgia (2024–2034)

Georgia is projected to grow occupational therapy assistants employment +28.6%, faster than the +19.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 200 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Georgia License and Certification Requirements

Occupational Therapy Assistant license — regulated by the Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy.

Complete an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree program.
Pass the NBCOT COTA examination.
Apply through the State Board of Occupational Therapy.

Official requirements: Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy →

Training in Georgia

School systems, pediatric clinics, and skilled nursing anchor Georgia OTA demand — metro Atlanta's pediatric market is notably strong.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Georgia include:

Albany State University — Associate
Albany Technical College — Associate
Athens Technical College — Associate
Atlanta Technical College — Associate

Where Occupational therapy assistants Work in Georgia

Real Georgia outpatient rehab clinics that employ occupational therapy assistants include:

Education Playstation, Inc — Adairsville
Healthpro Heritage Rehab & Fitness, LLC — Alpharetta
North Fulton Physical Therapy & Sports Med — Alpharetta
Sundance Georgia Rehabilitation Agency — Athens
Ability Rehab — Atlanta
Advanced Therapy Group — Atlanta

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 Georgia?

The median wage for occupational therapy assistants in Georgia is $75,920 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $55,840, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $86,830. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Georgia?

Occupational Therapy Assistant license, overseen by the Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy. Complete an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree program.

Is being an Occupational Therapy Assistant a good career in Georgia?

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

Which Georgia metros pay occupational therapy assistants the most?

Among Georgia metro areas, Atlanta metro leads at $78,180, followed by Savannah ($72,120), Augusta ($67,780). 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 Georgia?

Real Georgia options include Albany State University, Albany Technical College, Athens Technical College. 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 Georgia?

Georgia projects occupational therapy assistants employment to change +28.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 200 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), Georgia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2011. Licensing summary compiled from the Georgia State 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 Georgia wages · Georgia 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.