Occupational Therapy Aide salary in North Carolina
Occupational Therapy Aides in North Carolina earn a median of $66,190 a year ($31.82 an hour), based on BLS data for 250 workers.
Pay ranges from $29,570 for the lowest-paid 10% to $77,980 for the top 10%. That is 69% higher than the national median of $39,160. North Carolina ranks 1st of 27 states for occupational therapy aides pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.05 occupational therapy aides per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.9× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $61,360, close to the median.
Pay range for occupational therapy aides in North Carolina
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $29,570 | $14.21 |
| 25th percentile | $47,490 | $22.83 |
| Median | $66,190 | $31.82 |
| 75th percentile | $76,190 | $36.63 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $77,980 | $37.49 |
| Average (mean) | $61,360 | $29.50 |
Half of occupational therapy aides earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,515.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,757.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,545.77 |
| Weekly | $1,272.88 |
| Hourly | $31.82 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Highest-paying states for occupational therapy aides
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| North Carolina | $66,190 |
| New York | $46,220 |
| Washington | $45,890 |
| Nebraska | $44,980 |
| Connecticut | $44,840 |
| New Jersey | $44,470 |
| California | $43,480 |
| New Mexico | $43,170 |
| Massachusetts | $40,160 |
| Colorado | $40,110 |
Related jobs in North Carolina
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $67,540 | $32.47 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $69,390 | $33.36 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $34,760 | $16.71 |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,460 | $18.49 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $31,240 | $15.02 |
| Medical Assistant | $45,140 | $21.70 |
| Dental Assistant | $50,380 | $24.22 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $37,070 | $17.82 |
| Phlebotomist | $43,330 | $20.83 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $45,130 | $21.70 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $47,080 | $22.64 |
| Massage Therapist | $60,650 | $29.16 |
| Orderly | $38,680 | $18.60 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $35,530 | $17.08 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in North Carolina
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-2012. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a occupational therapy aide make in North Carolina?
The median salary for occupational therapy aides in North Carolina is $66,190 a year, or $31.82 an hour. Pay ranges from $29,570 for the lowest-paid 10% to $77,980 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid occupational therapy aides make in North Carolina?
The top 10% of occupational therapy aides in North Carolina earn at least $77,980 a year. The top 25% earn $76,190 or more.
What is the starting pay for occupational therapy aides in North Carolina?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $29,570 a year, and a quarter of occupational therapy aides earn $47,490 or less.
How many occupational therapy aides work in North Carolina?
About 250 occupational therapy aides are employed in North Carolina, not counting the self-employed.