Occupational therapists (OT) work in many different professional settings, including health care facilities, schools, and rehabilitation centers. They help patients achieve better functioning of their bodies. OTs have the ability to earn a competitive salary.
OTs have a wide range of salaries, depending on their area of specialization, years of experience, and location. For example, new OTs can expect to make between $52,000 and $87,000.
OTs with six years of experience will see an increase in their salary of around $8,000. After seven or nine years of experience, the median salary increases to $73,000. Those with 26 or more years of experience can earn a median of $84,000.
Occupational therapists who work in hospital settings can also make a good salary. The average occupational therapist salary in hospitals is $85,570. Those who work in schools can make about $52,000.
OTs can also work in home healthcare and private practice settings. Those who work in a nursing home can make a very good salary.
The cost of living varies greatly from state to state. While California, Nevada, and New Mexico are some of the highest paying states for OTs, their costs are much lower than those in Washington, DC or other major cities.
What is the Highest Paid Occupational Therapist?
There are many different factors that go into determining an occupational therapist’s salary. Some of these include the type of setting in which they work, years of experience, and the academic credentials of the candidate. In addition, they must have a license from the state.
For example, the best paying occupational therapy job is in the health care industry. This includes both clinical and non-clinical settings.
However, there are also other sectors that pay well. Home health, skilled nursing facilities, and management of companies and enterprises are among the highest paying.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) compiles occupational therapist employment data, which helps to determine an OT’s salary. BLS uses various methods to collect and analyze the data. These include surveys, compensation data tools, and salary structures.
Another resource for OT salary information is the AOTA’s Salary and Workforce Survey. While the study was not conducted in 2019, the data is still useful.
According to the study, the highest mean occupational therapist salary was earned by a worker in California. Nevada, on the other hand, topped the list of highest pay states.
Is Occupational Therapy Good Career?
Occupational Therapy is a healthcare profession that focuses on helping people to perform everyday activities and to improve their quality of life. Therapists work with clients of all ages and in all types of settings, including hospitals, schools, and community centers.
The occupational therapy field is one of the fastest-growing fields in health care. There is a growing need for qualified therapists, and occupational therapy jobs are projected to grow by 17% by the year 2030.
While some occupational therapy jobs can be challenging, the rewards of this career are great. It’s a great way to help others and make a positive impact on the lives of patients. Occupational therapists are also able to leverage specialized knowledge about healthy movement and wellness to help their patients overcome physical challenges.
In addition to improving the quality of life of their clients, OT therapists can be creative and enjoy the flexibility of their work. Some of their duties can include arranging stair lifts, level access showers, and other adaptations for patients’ homes.
Occupational therapists can be part of an interdisciplinary team. They may be working with a variety of patients, such as a group of children with Autism.
Does an OT Or PT Make More Money?
Occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) are two similar professions that can offer rewarding careers, but how much money does an OT or PT make? It can be tricky to answer, but the good news is that there are ways to maximize your income and minimize your debt.
OT and PT jobs can be found in a wide variety of clinical settings. Some common clinical settings include home health, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. Depending on your location, you may be able to find higher pay and less stressful work. Those who enjoy working in such settings should consider a career in occupational therapy.
Occupational therapists can also opt to pursue non-clinical roles. These positions are often more financially rewarding than clinical ones, and often require little more than a master’s degree. However, you’ll need to have some experience to be considered a good candidate.
New graduates can expect to make a median salary of $65,000, but that is only one of several factors that can impact your pay. Experience and location will also affect your paycheck.
Is Occupational Therapy a Stressful Job?
Occupational therapy is an important form of rehabilitation. The process involves a range of activities, such as lifting patients from wheelchairs, providing physical support while exercising, and helping people to adapt to daily living tasks. It’s also a good way to help people deal with mental health issues.
Occupational therapists are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree, and they’re likely to need to earn a master’s or doctorate. In addition, they may have to keep their licenses and undergo further certifications.
An occupational therapy job isn’t always a stress-free one. There are a number of things that can contribute to burnout, including being overworked and overwhelmed with daily tasks. If you feel this way, you might want to take a break from work and pursue a hobby. You can even seek the advice of a psychiatrist.
Occupational therapists can help burnout patients overcome their condition. They might need to take a short break to get a fresh start, or they might need to cut back on their caseloads. Burnout can be a chronic, debilitating condition, and if you don’t address the problem, it can lead to serious health problems.
Is Occupational Therapy in High Demand?
Occupational therapy is a profession that uses therapeutic techniques to help patients perform everyday tasks. OT helps people with many different conditions and ailments. Some of the most common OT specialty areas include physical rehabilitation, pediatrics, mental health, and more.
OT services are a great way to help clients improve their quality of life and maintain independence. In addition to helping them manage chronic illnesses, therapists also provide modifications to their home and other environments. Often, occupational therapists are asked to help patients modify their daily routines to reduce the risk of falls.
Occupational therapists can earn a competitive salary. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, policy, and more. Many occupational therapists find deep satisfaction in their jobs.
The demand for occupational therapists is expected to grow at an above average rate. It is expected that more than 18,800 new jobs will be created in this field from 2018 to 2028. This is more than three times the national average.
There are many different occupations that are expected to experience growth, but OT will be among the fastest-growing. If you want to pursue an OT career, it’s important to have a master’s degree. Those with a master’s degree in occupational therapy are among the highest-paid in the field.
Where Do Occupational Therapists Work?
Occupational therapy is a profession that makes a huge difference in the lives of many people. It focuses on helping individuals of all ages to improve their ability to do daily activities.
Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings, from hospitals to private homes to schools. They assess the needs of patients and develop a treatment plan to improve their function. As a result, they help patients overcome physical and mental obstacles.
Occupational therapists are skilled at interacting with their patients, and they are known for their expertise in teaching. They work with children in the school environment to support their learning, and they can also help students with behavioral problems.
Many occupational therapists specialize in treating children with developmental delays. Therapists can help young people learn to use adaptive equipment, such as computers, to improve their self-care skills. This may also include learning to cook and bake, or how to dress and groom themselves.
Occupational therapists can help patients recover from strokes or injuries, and they can work with elderly people who are experiencing physical limitations. In addition, they can also work with adults who are experiencing psychological or behavioral issues.
Is Occupational Therapy Better Than Nursing?
Occupational therapy and nursing are both important parts of the healthcare industry. While they have a lot in common, their responsibilities are a little different. Nurses focus on general health and safety while occupational therapists focus on specific areas.
OT is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on improving a person’s ability to perform daily tasks. This includes physical skills, mental capabilities, and regaining independence. It is often a matter of problem solving and compassion. Using these skills, an OT can help patients reclaim their abilities.
Occupational therapists work with people of all ages. They may work in hospitals, rehab centers, or even in a patient’s home. Often, they use specialized equipment and technology to aid their clients.
Occupational therapists are responsible for evaluating a patient’s needs and designing a treatment plan. They also educate the patient’s family and caregivers. As such, they have an opportunity to become a supervisor, teacher, or manager.
OTAs are certified by the NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy). Compared to a nurse, an OTA has a lot less to learn and a lot less to pay for. An OT can start their own clinic without the long-term financial commitment.
Learn More Here:
2.) Salary Data
3.) Job Salaries
More Related Topics
- What is Occupational Therapist Salary?
- What is the Salary For an Occupational Therapist?
- What is an Occupational Therapist Salary?
- What is the Salary of an Occupational Therapist?
- What is the Salary For Occupational Therapist?
- What is Occupational Therapy Salary?
- What is a Physical Therapist Salary?
- What is the Salary of a Physical Therapist?
- What is the Average Salary For Physical Therapist?
- What is the Average Salary For a Physical Therapist?
- What is the Average Salary of a Physical Therapist?
- What is the Average Physical Therapist Salary?
- What is the Salary For a Physical Therapist?
- What is the Salary of a Therapist?
- What is a Therapist Salary?
FAQs
What is the highest OT salary? ›
What type of occupational therapist gets paid the most? According to the BLS, OTs who work in home healthcare get paid the most. The annual mean wage of home health care OTs was $102,640 in 2021. Home healthcare OTs typically work for private agencies in their clients' homes.
Do OTs make 6 figures? ›Yes, occupational therapists can make six figures.
The second and third highest-paid industries are Management of Companies and Enterprises ($99,850) and Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly ($94,360).
1. Nevada. Nevada offers the highest paying average annual salary of $111,270 ($50.70/hr) as of May 2020.
Can you make a lot of money as an Occupational Therapist? ›Higher salaries typically go to occupational therapists with more experience. While Payscale reported an average entry-level salary of about $72,380 per year as of August 2022 for licensed occupational therapists, those with 20 or more years of experience earned an average of about $93,600 per year.
Do occupational therapists make more than nurses? ›Do nurses make more money than OT? Yes, and no, it depends on the nursing career you choose. According to BLS, the annual salary for Occupational Therapists is $98,700, while the yearly salary of Registered Nurses is $85,970.
Who makes more PT or OT? ›Physical Therapists focus on helping patients recover range of motion and decrease pain after an injury or illness. The average salary for an OT is $83,200 per year. The average salary for a PT is $86,850 per year.
How many hours a week do OTs work? ›Occupational therapists work in hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, offices and clinics, school systems, nursing homes, and home health agencies. They typically work 40 plus-hour weeks during daytime hours, including some weekends and holidays.
Do OTs get to wear scrubs? ›Yes. Occupational therapists are required to wear scrubs at certain rehabilitation centers and hospitals. If scrubs are not required wherever the OT is employed, they often wear a polo shirt with either dark colored pants or scrub pants.
Is it hard to get a job as an OT? ›However, if you're a new occupational therapy grad, you may have found that finding an OT job is harder than you thought. OTs are usually in high demand depending on the city's job market.
What is the lowest pay for occupational therapy? ›Occupational Therapists made a median salary of $85,570 in 2021. The best-paid 25% made $100,490 that year, while the lowest-paid 25% made $75,710.
Is occupational therapy worth the money? ›
Summary: OT is a good career because it offers a flexible schedule, comfortable salary and the ability to choose where you work. While it's true you may have to deal with setbacks and manage tough situations, you'll also get to help people and make a difference.
Where is occupational therapy most needed? ›- Home Health Care. ...
- Hospital Setting. ...
- Acute, Subacute, and Restorative Rehabilitation Centers. ...
- Skilled Nursing Facility. ...
- Outpatient Setting. ...
- Mental Health. ...
- School. ...
- Early Intervention.
Productivity Targets
The first and sometimes most stressful aspect of being an OT of which I can attribute to is productivity. Almost every OT job in the adult setting – whether it's acute care, inpatient rehab, outpatient therapy, home health, or skilled nursing – will have some sort of productivity requirement.
A survey study on job satisfaction in occupational therapy settings found that roughly 94% of school-based occupational therapists and 67% of non-school therapists reported a rating of good or better for their overall job satisfaction.
Is occupational therapy in high demand? ›Requirements for an Occupational Therapist Assistant Career
Occupational therapy assistants are in demand throughout the U.S., and their services are needed in both urban and rural areas. Admission to an accredited occupational therapy assistant program is the starting point for this career.
Being an occupational therapist can be stressful.
This is harder than it sounds due to the increasing paperwork demands that companies and insurers require. Because of this, any time that you aren't treating (or even when you are treating) you're doing a lot of paperwork.
An occupational therapist with an earned doctoral degree from an accredited school, college, or university may use the suffix designating the degree, or the prefix “Doctor” or “Dr.” and add after the person's name the words “occupational therapist”.
Is occupational therapy a good second career? ›Working in the occupational therapy field as a second career allows you to employ many skills and work in a fulfilling setting. Those who work as occupational therapy assistants are able to: Work with a variety of different clients daily. Work with occupational therapists to execute plans.
Is OT better than OTA? ›Along with more responsibility and education comes increased compensation for OTs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the median salary for an OT to be $85,570 per year whereas they estimate OTA salary to be around $61,520 per year.
What branch of PT makes the most money? ›- Sports medicine. Physical therapists who specialize in sports medicine treat professional and amateur athletes. ...
- Cardiovascular. ...
- Geriatrics. ...
- Neurology. ...
- Pediatrics.
How long is PT school? ›
The DPT program is a full-time, three-year (11-quarter) program.
How many patients does an occupational therapist see a day? ›OTs can see five to eight patients a day, typically. If this is the first day the OT and the patient meet, the OT will assess the patient's disability and will work on a care plan.
What else can I do with my occupational therapy degree? ›- Advice worker.
- Art therapist.
- High intensity therapist.
- Life coach.
- Medical sales representative.
- Play therapist.
- Psychological wellbeing practitioner.
- Social worker.
An occupational therapist typically works 40 hours in a week, but their schedule often depends on where they work. Some occupational therapists work 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day while others work 40 hours on a flexible schedule. They may work part time and be on call to come in when their employer needs them.
What color scrubs do OTs wear? ›Some facilities require OTs to wear color coordinated scrubs for each department. You might see nurses wearing the same blue scrubs, respiratory therapy wearing black scrubs and PT, OT, and speech wearing matching polos. Some OT settings are flexible and will let you where scrubs, polos, or t-shirts.
What is the official color of occupational therapy? ›| Maize | Blue Violet | White |
| Engineering | Fine Arts, Landscape Arch. | Forestry |
| Orange | Brown | Russet |
| Music | Nursing | Occupational Therapy |
| Pink | Apricot | Ink |
They work closely with other professionals such as doctors, nurses, social workers and physiotherapists. Qualified Occupational Therapists wear a uniform in white and bottle green and assistants wear grey and black.
What is the future of occupational therapy? ›Employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 14 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 10,100 openings for occupational therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Is a Masters in OT hard? ›The short answer is: YES, occupational therapy school is hard. But so is physical therapy school, nursing school, medical school, pharmacy school, physician's assistant school, etc. All healthcare degrees are going to be challenging, and for good reason.
Can you become an OT without a degree? ›To become an occupational therapist, you'll need a degree in occupational therapy, which usually takes three years full time or up to six years part time. In postgraduate studies, it's possible to gain a Masters degree in one to two years.
What is the easiest occupational therapy school to get into? ›
- Western New Mexico, New Mexico. ...
- Vincennes University, Indiana. ...
- Community College of Baltimore County, Maryland. ...
- Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Mississippi. ...
- East Mississippi Community College, Mississippi.
- Face your fears.
- Work Collaboratively.
- Be prepared.
- Have a strategy.
- Use the right phrase.
- Ask the right questions.
- Do your research.
- When does OT salary come up in the interview?
As of Jan 29, 2023, the average annual pay for an Entry Level Occupational Therapist in the United States is $60,555 a year.
What are the negatives of occupational therapy? ›- 1 – The Medical Field is Emotionally Stressful. ...
- 2 – Occupational Therapy is a Physically Demanding Job. ...
- 3 – Institutional Barriers May Prevent Desired Results. ...
- 4 – Long Work Hours Are Common. ...
- 5 – Learning New Techniques and Technology.
There is potential for a good work-life balance, but high productivity demands are often the most stressful part of working in this setting. Benefits are very good for full-time and part-time positions. While initial salary may be high, many SNFs may offer low or no raises and higher earning potential.
What are the 8 areas of occupational therapy? ›The broad range of occupations is categorized in the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF-4) as activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, health management, rest and sleep, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation.
What degree do most occupational therapists need? ›In order to sit for this exam, you'll need to graduate from an accredited occupational therapy graduate program. That means that all occupational therapists must earn at least their MS in Occupational Therapy.
What personality type is best for occupational therapy? ›Occupational therapists tend to be predominantly social individuals, meaning that they thrive in situations where they can interact with, persuade, or help people. They also tend to be investigative, which means that they are quite inquisitive and curious people that often like to spend time alone with their thoughts.
Is occupational therapy a low stress job? ›Health care can be a high-stress industry to work in, but occupational therapy offers a lower-stress environment than other areas of health care. Occupational therapists work with patients who may have health conditions but are stable enough to undergo regular therapy.
Is a career in OT worth it? ›Summary: OT is a good career because it offers a flexible schedule, comfortable salary and the ability to choose where you work. While it's true you may have to deal with setbacks and manage tough situations, you'll also get to help people and make a difference.
Is OT a respected profession? ›
Being an occupational therapist is an incredibly rewarding role, working with clients and their families to make life easier. Supporting an individual's independent living can also ease the pressure felt by their support network.
Are OT in high demand? ›Employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 14 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Is the OT exam hard? ›Unlike other exams, students took during their academic tenures, the NBCOT® Exam is rigid, requiring you to adopt the mindset of the individuals who wrote the questions in order to pass. It's arduous and of course, time-consuming. Below, we unpack just why this test is so hard to prepare for.
Is OT a hard degree? ›It is not an easy degree and you definitely need to work hard in it, but it is a very rewarding one especially if you have a heart and desire for working with and helping people and bringing out the best in everyone.
Is being an OT easy? ›Occupational therapy can be a heartwarming job, but it is often very physically and emotionally demanding. For this reason, many OTs experience burnout at some point in their careers. However, OT is such a diverse profession that it is relatively easy to switch settings or work in non-clinical OT jobs.
What is the future for occupational therapy? ›OT Compact by 2024
The Compact will be an interstate professional licensing compact for occupational therapists to address working across state lines. This Compact will improve patient access to therapy as well as enhance the mobility of occupational therapy practitioners.
Many OTs find working at SNFs to be low stress compared to say acute care and inpatient rehab (ARU). Sessions are at a much slower pace and clients are seen for longer durations.
Where do OTA make the most money? ›| Industry | Employment (1) | Annual mean wage (2) |
|---|---|---|
| Offices of Other Health Practitioners | 18,860 | $ 61,650 |
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 6,840 | $ 69,090 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 5,020 | $ 60,030 |
| Home Health Care Services | 3,180 | $ 73,840 |