Occupational Therapy Assistant

Support OTs helping people regain skills for daily life after illness, injury or disability.

This UK occupational therapy assistant career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.

Quick facts

Starting salary
£22,000 - £26,000
Mid-career salary
£26,000 - £30,000
Senior salary
£30,000 - £36,000
Work environment
Hospital, clinic or community setting
Time to entry
0 - 12 months
Degree required
Not required
Category
Healthcare and Care

What a Occupational Therapy Assistant does

Support OTs helping people regain skills for daily life after illness, injury or disability.

  • Hospital OT Support - Support OTs with assessments and rehab on wards.
  • Community OT Support - Home visits and adaptations alongside OTs.
  • Mental Health OT Support - Support OTs in mental health teams.
  • Paediatric OT Support - Support paediatric OTs in clinics and schools.

How to become a Occupational Therapy Assistant

  1. Look up Occupational Therapy Assistant roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
  2. Talk to someone already working as a Occupational Therapy Assistant - even a 15-minute call helps
  3. Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
  4. Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
  5. Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month

Key skills

  • Patience
  • Practical skills
  • Recording
  • Communication
  • Empathy