text: occupational therapy assistants???? i've searched the salary of a occupational therapist and a occupational therapy assistant....but researching on the internet doesn't always mean....that's the salary the average therapist or assistant make. i know from experience cause of the career i have now.  you search one thing and you hear this and when you are actually living it...you don't nearly get paid as much as you thought! i was wondering if anyone knows or is an certified occupational therapy assistant and knows exactly how much they really do make?? i am an ot.  the nursing home i work at is desperate for ots!  i make $45 an hour and the cota makes $29 an hour.  this is pretty high for both jobs in the virginia (fredericksburg) area.