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

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Oregon employs 250 occupational therapy assistants, with a statewide median of $76,850 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Oregon licensing picture, and where to train.

What Occupational therapy assistants Earn in Oregon (May 2025)

Oregon median pay: $76,850 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $65,190
Experienced (75th percentile): $80,880
Top earners (90th percentile): $86,010
Employed in Oregon: 250
U.S. median (for comparison): $68,340 (May 2024)

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

Portland: $78,640 (170 employed)
Salem: $76,570 (40 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Oregon

Prices in Oregon run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $76,850 median is worth closer to $74,323 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Oregon (2024–2034)

Oregon is projected to grow occupational therapy assistants employment +22.1%, faster than the +19.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 40 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Oregon License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) — regulated by the Oregon Occupational Therapy Licensing Board.

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

Official requirements: Oregon Occupational Therapy Licensing Board →

Training in Oregon

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

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Oregon include:

Chemeketa Community College — Associate
Lane Community College — Associate
Linn-Benton Community College — Associate
Mt Hood Community College — Associate

Where Occupational therapy assistants Work in Oregon

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

John Breuer Rehabilitation Services — Coos Bay
Infinity Rehab — Lake Oswego
Physical Therapy Northwest Limited Partnership — Stayton
Rose Haven Nursing Center — Roseburg
West Hills Health & Rehabilitation — Portland
Maryville — Beaverton

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 Oregon?

The median wage for occupational therapy assistants in Oregon is $76,850 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $65,190, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $86,010. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

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

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

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

Which Oregon metros pay occupational therapy assistants the most?

Among Oregon metro areas, Portland leads at $78,640, followed by Salem ($76,570). 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 Oregon?

Real Oregon options include Chemeketa Community College, Lane Community College, Linn-Benton Community 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 Oregon?

Oregon projects occupational therapy assistants employment to change +22.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 40 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), Oregon statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2011. Licensing summary compiled from the Oregon Occupational Therapy Licensing Board (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 Oregon wages · Oregon 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.