Occupational Therapy Assistant in Montana: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Montana employs 60 occupational therapy assistants, with a statewide median of $72,800 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Montana licensing picture, and where to train.
What Occupational therapy assistants Earn in Montana (May 2025)
- Montana median pay
- $72,800 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $59,060
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $81,670
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $94,510
- Employed in Montana
- 60
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $68,340 (May 2024)
What That Pay Is Worth in Montana
Prices in Montana run about 5% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $72,800 median stretches to roughly $76,956 in national buying-power terms.
Montana License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) — regulated by the Montana DLI — Board of Occupational Therapy.
- Earn an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree.
- Pass the NBCOT certification exam to become a COTA.
- Apply to the Montana Board of Occupational Therapy (DLI).
Official requirements: Montana DLI — Board of Occupational Therapy →
Training in Montana
Strong demand in rehab, pediatrics, and senior care. Confirm ACOTE accreditation and fieldwork placements.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Montana include:
- Aaniiih Nakoda College — Associate
- Flathead Valley Community College — Associate
- Great Falls College Montana State University — Associate
- Montana Technological University — Associate
Where Occupational therapy assistants Work in Montana
Real Montana outpatient rehab clinics that employ occupational therapy assistants include:
- Mountain Land Rehabilitation Inc — Billings
- Village Health & Rehabilitation — Missoula
- Park Place Transitional Care and Rehabilitation — Great Falls
- St John's Lutheran Home — Billings
- Copper Ridge Health and Rehabilitation Center — Butte
- Yellowstone River Nursing and Rehabilitation — Billings
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 Montana?
The median wage for occupational therapy assistants in Montana is $72,800 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $59,060, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $94,510. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Montana?
Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), overseen by the Montana DLI — Board of Occupational Therapy. Earn an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree.
Is being an Occupational Therapy Assistant a good career in Montana?
Occupational therapy support blends hands-on care, adaptation, human context, and patient motivation.
Where can I train to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Montana?
Real Montana options include Aaniiih Nakoda College, Flathead Valley Community College, Great Falls College Montana State University. 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), Montana statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2011. Licensing summary compiled from the Montana DLI — 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 Montana wages · Montana 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.