The average salary for assistive technology directors and assistive technologists may be more lucrative than you think. We’ll provide the data right here.

Average salary for assistive technology director and assistive technologist roles

Assistive technologies can be incredibly beneficial for persons with disabilities like dyslexia and ADHD. They help them polish their language skills to improve academic performance and job opportunities. People who specialize in these technologies use assistive technologies to the greatest extent.

If you want to work as an assistive technology specialist, you probably wonder how much professionals in this field earn. You’ll learn about their average salary and responsibilities in this article.

What is assistive technology?

Assistive technology includes products, systems, equipment, and services that improve the daily lives and learning abilities of individuals with disabilities. These provisions help improve or maintain a person’s independence. They also function to promote well-being.

There are many advantages of assistive technologies. Primarily, they lower the need for formal support and healthcare services, as well as the long-term work of caregivers. Without them, people with disabilities would be at a higher risk of impoverishment and exclusion from society.

Many population groups can gain from assistive technology:

• Individuals with disabilities
• The elderly
• Individuals with stroke, diabetes, and other incurable diseases
• Individuals whose essential functions have deteriorated
• Individuals with autism, dementia, and other mental health conditions

When applied correctly, assistive technology positively influences the well-being and health of the affected individuals and their families. They’re also more likely to obtain a valuable degree and find remunerative jobs.

People who access technology to alleviate their disabilities also unlock the following benefits:

• Reduced reliance on healthcare facilities – Assistive technology can lower the need for recurring trips to the doctor. For instance, medical footwear for diabetes decreases the risk of ulcers and more severe conditions that require urgent care.
• Prolonged stay-at-home – The elderly can use assistive technology to live comfortably at home, reducing the need for retirement homes.
• Improved access to education – Tools, such as manual wheelchairs, enhance educational opportunities and allow people to land better jobs.
• Better language development – Hearing aids and similar equipment help children boost their language skills.

Many people utilize other helpful technologies, like text to speech (TTS), to help improve their quality of life. For example, TTS platforms (e.g., Speechify) can enhance reading comprehension, writing, and proofreading.

What you’d do in an assistive technologist role

An assistive technologist or assistive technology specialist selects, implements, and assesses assistive technologies. Specialists may use simple tools like wheelchairs, and canes or complex items, like communication aids, software programs, and computers.

Assistive technologists work with individuals with disabilities to help them live an independent life. They can also offer training on the effective use of the above devices.

If you want to become an assistive technologist, here’s what your job description may include:

• Evaluating personal needs for assistive services or devices and recommending suitable solutions (e.g., braille displays)
• Training individuals on how to make the most of assistive technology, such as specialized smartphones and wheelchairs
• Installing, maintaining, replacing, and repairing reasonable accommodations and equipment, like software programs, lift mechanisms, car wheelchair lifts, and smartphones
• Helping people pick suitable equipment according to their needs through various initiatives
• Coordinating assistive information technology (IT) provision with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare providers
• Advising individuals on proper funding sources and insurance coverage
• Offering written or narrated instructions on using adaptive equipment, including speech synthesizers, tablets, and other communication tools
• Reviewing documentation when purchasing and configuring assistive equipment

• Creating presentations for electronic content
• Attending and reporting at progress and individualized education program (IEP) meetings

• Enhancing product support and installation consistency
• Resolving technical problems with clinical applications

How much does a job in assistive technology pay?

As of 2022, the average annual salary for an assistive technology professional (ATP) in the U.S. is just under $75,000 per year. The pay ranges between $44,000 (25th percentile), $80,000 (75th percentile), and $105,000 (90th percentile).

The salary range shows many opportunities for growth and advancement based on your years of experience, skill level, and location.

Another important factor is education. If you earn a master’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or other higher education certifications, you’re more likely to receive a high-paying job than individuals with a high school diploma.

Regarding location, not every place and school district offers the same annual salary for assistive technology jobs. Atkinson, Nebraska, tops the list with just over $96,000 per year, and Frankston, Texas, is a close second with $94,200 per year.

Williston, North Dakota, Lake Marcel-Stillwater, Washington, and other locations lower salaries by more than $10K-$15K.

Finally, your specific job title has a major influence on your salary. An assistive technology consultant has a higher average salary than a regular ATP. Here’s an overview of the most common professions:

• Assistive technology director - $83,000
• Assistive technology consultant - $74,850
• Assistive technology practitioner -$74,000
• Assistive technology trainer - $65,400
• Assistive technology specialist - $64,000
• Assistive technology sales - $63,500

Learn to use Speechify as assistive technology

Whether you live in Los Angeles or San Mateo, becoming an ATP can be a great career path. Besides helping you cope with the rising cost of living with a high base salary, it also gives you access to cutting-edge technology.

One of the apps you can use is a text to speech (TTS) platform called Speechify. It’s a perfect tool for many impairments, such as reading difficulties. The app narrates digital content aloud to improve comprehension and attention spans.

Plus, you can speed up and slow down the rate to accommodate all users.

Speechify works on all major systems and platforms. Test the features today.

FAQ

How much does an MDT make?

An MDT technician makes around $45,000 per year.

How do I become an assistive technology specialist?

You need to obtain a higher education degree to become a full-time ATP. Some companies also require university referrals. However, you may be able to become a part-time provider with a general education or high school diploma.

What is the difference between an assistive technology specialist and an assistive technician?

An assistive technology specialist evaluates adaptive tools according to individual needs, whereas assistive technicians usually install and maintain the equipment.

What is the job outlook for an assistive technology specialist?

Experts anticipate the employment of assistive technology specialists to grow faster than the national average in the next 10 years.