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

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Nebraska employs 210 occupational therapy assistants, with a statewide median of $63,180 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Nebraska licensing picture, and where to train.

What Occupational therapy assistants Earn in Nebraska (May 2025)

Nebraska median pay: $63,180 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $47,490
Experienced (75th percentile): $72,550
Top earners (90th percentile): $77,840
Employed in Nebraska: 210
U.S. median (for comparison): $68,340 (May 2024)

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

Omaha: $65,930 (80 employed)
Lincoln: $63,180 (40 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Nebraska

Prices in Nebraska run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $63,180 median stretches to roughly $70,122 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Nebraska (2024–2034)

Nebraska is projected to grow occupational therapy assistants employment +22.2%, faster than the +19.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 30 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Nebraska License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) — regulated by the Nebraska DHHS — Division of Public Health (Occupational Therapy).

Earn an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree.
Pass the NBCOT certification exam to become a COTA.
Apply to Nebraska DHHS.

Official requirements: Nebraska DHHS — Division of Public Health (Occupational Therapy) →

Training in Nebraska

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

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Nebraska include:

Central Community College — Associate
Clarkson College — Associate
Metropolitan Community College Area — Associate
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health — Associate

Where Occupational therapy assistants Work in Nebraska

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

Powerback Rehabilitation — Bellevue
Nye Wellness Center — Fremont
Powerback Rehabilitation — Kearney
Powerback Rehabilitation — Lincoln
Nye Meadows, Inc. dba the Meadows Wellness Center — Norfolk
Select Rehabilitation, LLC — Omaha

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 Nebraska?

The median wage for occupational therapy assistants in Nebraska is $63,180 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $47,490, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $77,840. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), overseen by the Nebraska DHHS — Division of Public Health (Occupational Therapy). Earn an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree.

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

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

Which Nebraska metros pay occupational therapy assistants the most?

Among Nebraska metro areas, Omaha leads at $65,930, followed by Lincoln ($63,180). 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 Nebraska?

Real Nebraska options include Central Community College, Clarkson College, Metropolitan Community College Area. 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 Nebraska?

Nebraska projects occupational therapy assistants employment to change +22.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 30 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), Nebraska statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2011. Licensing summary compiled from the Nebraska DHHS — Division of Public Health (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 Nebraska wages · Nebraska 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.