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

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Utah employs 280 occupational therapy assistants, with a statewide median of $66,080 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Utah licensing picture, and where to train.

What Occupational therapy assistants Earn in Utah (May 2025)

Utah median pay: $66,080 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $42,690
Experienced (75th percentile): $73,540
Top earners (90th percentile): $94,870
Employed in Utah: 280
U.S. median (for comparison): $68,340 (May 2024)

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

Salt Lake City: $71,420 (100 employed)
Ogden: $64,050 (80 employed)
Provo: $61,280 (40 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Utah

Prices in Utah run about 1% below the national average (cost-of-living index 98.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $66,080 median stretches to roughly $66,815 in national buying-power terms.

Utah License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) — regulated by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL).

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

Official requirements: Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) →

Training in Utah

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

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Utah include:

Eagle Gate College-Murray — Associate
Ensign College — Associate
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences — Associate
Provo College — Associate

Where Occupational therapy assistants Work in Utah

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

Select Rehabilitation LLC — Holladay
Sunshine Terrace Wellness Center — Logan
Ihc Rehab Agency — Salt Lake City
Mountain Land Rehab Agency — Salt Lake City
St Joseph Villa — Salt Lake City
Provo Rehabilitation and Nursing — Provo

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 Utah?

The median wage for occupational therapy assistants in Utah is $66,080 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $42,690, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $94,870. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), overseen by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). Earn an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree.

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

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

Which Utah metros pay occupational therapy assistants the most?

Among Utah metro areas, Salt Lake City leads at $71,420, followed by Ogden ($64,050), Provo ($61,280). 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 Utah?

Real Utah options include Eagle Gate College-Murray, Ensign College, Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences. 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), Utah statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2011. Licensing summary compiled from the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) (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 Utah wages · Utah 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.