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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


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Median Salary

$84,950

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Employment Prospects

Good

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Minimum Education Level

Master's Degree


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Experience

Internship


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Skills

Coaching/Physical Training
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Personality Traits

Helpful
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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...