Occupational Therapy Assistant
Legacy Healthcare Services, Inc. – Columbus, OH
How much does a DCO make in the United States? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a DCO in the United States is $89,501 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.
However, a DCO's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:
DCO Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $109,500 | $9,125 | $2,106 | $53 |
| Average | $89,501 | $7,458 | $1,721 | $43 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,006 | $5,917 | $1,366 | $34 |
A DCO'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a DCO'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level DCO | less than 1 year | $78,901 |
| Early Career Level DCO | 1-2 years | $79,486 |
| Mid-Level Level DCO | 2-4 years | $86,723 |
| Senior-Level Level DCO | 5-8 years | $94,501 |
| Expert Level DCO | over 8 years | $95,056 |
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract DCOs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Understanding how a DCO'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $109,500 | $9,125 | $2,106 | $53 |
| Average | $89,501 | $7,458 | $1,721 | $43 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,006 | $5,917 | $1,366 | $34 |
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for DCO roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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