Occupational therapists
SOC Code: 29-1122Also known as:
Assistive Technology Trainer, Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), Early Intervention Occupational Therapist, Home Care Occupational Therapist (Home Care OT), Home Health Occupational Therapist
Median Annual Salary
$98,340
+13.8% growth (2024-2034)
10K
Openings/Year
160K
Current Jobs
What Occupational therapists Do
Assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual's environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual.
💰 Salary
$98,340
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+13.8%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Master's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
10K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
160,000
Projected Employment (2034)
182,100
Related Careers
Rehabilitation counselors
$46,110 •
+1.4% growth
Physical therapists
$101,020 •
+10.9% growth
Occupational therapy assistants
$68,340 •
+19.2% growth
Occupational therapy aides
$37,370 •
+2.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Monitoring
Service Orientation
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Test and evaluate patients' physical and mental abilities and analyze medical data to determine realistic rehabilitation goals for patients.
- Complete and maintain necessary records.
- Plan, organize, and conduct occupational therapy programs in hospital, institutional, or community settings to help rehabilitate persons with disabilities because of illness, injury or psychological or developmental problems.
- Plan and implement programs and social activities to help patients learn work or school skills and adjust to handicaps.
- Select activities that will help individuals learn work and life-management skills within limits of their mental or physical capabilities.
- Evaluate patients' progress and prepare reports that detail progress.
- Train caregivers in providing for the needs of a patient during and after therapy.
- Lay out materials such as puzzles, scissors and eating utensils for use in therapy, and clean and repair these tools after therapy sessions.
- Consult with rehabilitation team to select activity programs or coordinate occupational therapy with other therapeutic activities.
- Design and create, or requisition, special supplies and equipment, such as splints, braces, and computer-aided adaptive equipment.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Master's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Master's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Occupational therapists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a occupational therapists:
Occupational Therapy/Therapist
10,460 degrees awarded •
235 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Occupational therapists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become occupational therapists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make?
The median annual salary for occupational therapists is $98,340.
What education do occupational therapists need?
Most occupational therapists positions require a master's degree.
Common degree programs include Occupational Therapy/Therapist.
Is becoming occupational therapists a good career choice?
Occupational therapists is projected to see +13.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 10,200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for occupational therapists?
Top colleges for aspiring occupational therapists include
University of Southern California, Boston University, New York University, University of Florida, Columbia University in the City of New York.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to occupational therapists?
Occupational therapists may also be known as: Assistive Technology Trainer, Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), Early Intervention Occupational Therapist, Home Care Occupational Therapist (Home Care OT), Home Health Occupational Therapist, Independent Living Specialist, Industrial Rehabilitation Consultant, Industrial Therapist, Inpatient Occupational Therapist (Inpatient OT), Job Trainer, Occupational Therapist (OT), Outpatient Occupational Therapist (Outpatient OT), Pediatric Occupational Therapist (Pediatric OT), Pediatrics and Acute Care Occupational Therapist, Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR), Rehabilitation Engineer, Rehabilitation Occupational Therapist (Rehab OT), School Occupational Therapist (School OT), Travel Occupational Therapist (Travel OT), Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.