Occupational Therapists
Overview
Introduction
Occupational therapists (OTs) select and direct therapeutic activities designed to develop or restore maximum function to individuals with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. There are approximately 133,000 occupational therapists employed in the United States.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median salary for occupational therapists was $84,950 in 2019. The lowest paid 10 percent earned $56,800 or less a year in 2019, and the top paid 10 percent earned $121,490 or more.
Salaries for occupational therapists often vary according to where they work. In areas where the cost of living is higher, occupational therapists generally rece...
Work Environment
Occupational therapists work in occupational therapy workshops or clinics. These workshops or clinics can be found at a variety of locations, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, and adult day care centers. No matter what the location, though, these workshops and clinics are well-lighted, pleasant settings. Generally, therapists work eight-hour days and 40-hour weeks, with som...
Outlook
Opportunities for occupational therapists are expected to be highly favorable through 2028 and employment will grow much faster (18 percent) than the average for all other careers, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook. This growth will occur as a result of the increasing number of middle-aged and elderly people that require therapeutic services. The demand for occupational th...