How much does a occupational therapist make?

In the United States, pay can change with experience and location. It also varies by workplace: BLS figures differ among home health, nursing homes, hospitals, clinics, and schools. Yearly earnings depend partly on hours worked; most OTs work full time, and some work nights or weekends.

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. Excludes “Rehabilitation Counselors” (21-1015).

What's a typical day like?

They review a client’s history and watch them try everyday tasks, then practice a personal goal, such as getting dressed. They may suggest helpful tools or home changes, teach family members, and record progress.

In the U.S., earn a master’s degree (or entry-level doctorate) from an ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy program and complete supervised fieldwork. Then pass the NBCOT exam and get a license from the state where you want to work.

Graduate degree or long training (preparation level 5 of 5)

Good for people who like helping and teaching and figuring things out.

Getting dressed, playing, going to school, and sleeping can all count as “occupations” in U.S. occupational therapy—not just paid jobs.