Customize Your Journey
For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Occupational Therapists

Median Salary
96,370
Job Outlook
+21%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

49%

Private not for profit

26%

State and local government

15%

Self-employed

8%

Federal Government

2%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 11 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 9,800 openings for occupational therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$41,600

10%

$96,370

Median

$112,390

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Master's degree

    86%

  • Bachelor's degree

    13%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Occupational Therapy/Therapist

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Psychology
  • Therapy and Counseling
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Education and Training
  • Medicine and Dentistry

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

Related Occupations

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.