Activity Therapy Assistant Salary in the United States

How much does an Activity Therapy Assistant make in the United States? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Activity Therapy Assistant in the United States is $66,735 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.

However, an Activity Therapy Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $73,606
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $59,968 to $70,332
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $53,808

Key Factors That Influence Activity Therapy Assistant Salaries

An Activity Therapy Assistant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Activity Therapy Assistant Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Activity Therapy Assistant's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $65,986
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $37,591
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $108,611
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $128,203
  • Expert (over 8 years): $153,841
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Activity Therapy Assistant less than 1 year $65,986
Physical Therapy Attendant 1-2 years $37,591
Physical Therapy Supervisor 2-4 years $108,611
Physical Therapy Manager 5-8 years $128,203
Physical Therapy Director over 8 years $153,841

Top Paying Cities for Activity Therapy Assistant

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $84,173
  • San Francisco: $83,251
  • Oakland: $81,497

Activity Therapy Assistant Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Activity Therapy Assistant roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Activity Therapy Assistant positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Activity Therapy Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Activity Therapy Assistant

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare $80,082 $39.0 20%

How Education impacts an Activity Therapy Assistant's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Activity Therapy Assistant professionals enter the field with a Associate's degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Activity Therapy Assistant with a Associate's is between $63,706 and $67,129.

Activity Therapy Assistant Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Activity Therapy Assistant
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Degree 0.1%
High School 4.9%
Associate's Degree 69.5%
Bachelor's Degree 21.5%
Master's Degree or MBA 3.1%
JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent 0.9%

Activity Therapy Assistant Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Activity Therapy Assistant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$59,968
Average $66,735/year
$70,332
$4,997
Average $5,561/month
$5,861
$1,153
Average $1,283/week
$1,353
$29
Average $32/hour
$34
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $70,332 $5,861 $1,353 $34
Average $66,735 $5,561 $1,283 $32
25th Percentile $59,968 $4,997 $1,153 $29

Most common benefits for Activity Therapy Assistant

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Activity Therapy Assistant

Here are companies hiring for Activity Therapy Assistant and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Activity Therapy Assistant Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Activity Therapy Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Ohio Living Home Health | Columbus, OH

    Ohio Living Home Health | Columbus, OH

    Ohio Living Home Health - - Responsibilities: Implements the Plan of Care developed by the Occupational Therapist, ensuring all patient treatments follow p... more

    7 Days Ago

  • UnitedHealth Group | Columbus, OH

    UnitedHealth Group | Columbus, OH

    Explore opportunities with Caretenders Home Health, a part of LHC Group, a leading post-acute care partner for hospitals, physicians and families nationwid... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Movement Mentors Therapy Staffing | Columbus, OH

    Movement Mentors Therapy Staffing | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) – 6 month Contract. Columbus, OH | $1280/week | Therapist-Owned Company. Join a Moveme... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Enhabit Home Health & Hospice | Columbus, OH

    Enhabit Home Health & Hospice | Columbus, OH

    Overview$3,000 Sign on bonusLooking for a career that makes a difference every day. Discover a rewarding career at Enhabit Home Health & Hospice, one of th... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Enhabit Home Health | Columbus, OH

    Enhabit Home Health | Columbus, OH

    Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Home Health - Assisted Living Based Looking for a career that makes a difference every day. Discover a re... more

    7 Days Ago

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FAQ about Activity Therapy Assistant

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Activity Therapy Assistant?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Activity Therapy Assistant roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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