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

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Nevada employs 220 occupational therapy assistants, with a statewide median of $79,510 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Nevada licensing picture, and where to train.

What Occupational therapy assistants Earn in Nevada (May 2025)

Nevada median pay: $79,510 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $61,530
Experienced (75th percentile): $81,160
Top earners (90th percentile): $97,590
Employed in Nevada: 220
U.S. median (for comparison): $68,340 (May 2024)

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

Las Vegas: $79,520 (170 employed)
Reno: $78,100 (40 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Nevada

Prices in Nevada run right about the national average (cost-of-living index 100.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $79,510 median holds roughly its face value.

Job Outlook in Nevada (2022–2032)

Nevada is projected to grow occupational therapy assistants employment +36.2%, faster than the +19.3% projected nationally.

Nevada License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) — regulated by the Nevada State Board of Occupational Therapy.

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

Official requirements: Nevada State Board of Occupational Therapy →

Training in Nevada

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

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Nevada include:

Carrington College-Las Vegas — Associate
College of Southern Nevada — Associate
Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas — Associate

Where Occupational therapy assistants Work in Nevada

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

Physiotherapy Associates - Gardnerville Opt — Gardnerville
Associated Health Focus — Las Vegas
Ageility Physical Therapy Solutions at Reno — Reno
Regent Care Outpatient Rehab Agency — Reno
Custom Physical Therapy LP — Sparks
Henderson Health and Rehabilitation — Henderson

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 Nevada?

The median wage for occupational therapy assistants in Nevada is $79,510 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $61,530, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $97,590. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

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

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

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

Which Nevada metros pay occupational therapy assistants the most?

Among Nevada metro areas, Las Vegas leads at $79,520, followed by Reno ($78,100). 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 Nevada?

Real Nevada options include Carrington College-Las Vegas, College of Southern Nevada, Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas. 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 Nevada?

Nevada projects occupational therapy assistants employment to change +36.2% from 2022 to 2032 — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Nevada statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2011. Licensing summary compiled from the Nevada 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 Nevada wages · Nevada 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.