Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists evaluate and treat people who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities to help them with vocational, daily living, and other skills that promote independence.
Is occupational therapists a good career?
It scores 40/100 and ranks #68 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($100,330 vs $61,390)
- Faster-than-average projected growth (+13.8% through 2034)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a master's degree
What occupational therapists earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. occupational therapists earn between $82,510 and $116,670 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Live occupational therapists jobs
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- Typical education
- Master's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
Education
Occupational therapists typically need a master’s degree in occupational therapy to enter the occupation.
Admission to graduate programs in occupational therapy requires a bachelor’s degree, although it may not need to be in a particular subject. However, master’s degree programs frequently require applicants to have completed coursework in biology, psychology, and other sciences. Some programs also require applicants to have volunteered or worked in an occupational therapy setting. To learn about specific requirements, applicants should contact the program in which they are interested in enrolling.
Master’s degree programs usually take 2 to 3 years to complete and typically include courses such as kinesiology, neuroscience, and anatomy. Additionally, these programs require a specified number of hours of supervised fieldwork during which prospective occupational therapists gain clinical experience.
Some schools offer a dual-degree program in which the student earns a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree upon completion.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
All states require occupational therapists to be licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state, but at a minimum, candidates must pass a qualifying exam. To sit for the exam, candidates must have earned a degree from an accredited occupational therapy program that includes fieldwork.
Therapists must pass the qualifying exam to use the title “Occupational Therapist Registered” (OTR). They also must complete a specified number of hours of continuing education to maintain state licensure and certification.
Some employers require candidates to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or basic life support (BLS) certification.
Important qualities
Adaptability. Occupational therapists must be accommodating when working with clients. They must be able to change treatment plans based on clients’ needs.
Communication skills. Occupational therapists must listen closely to clients. They also must be able to explain treatment plans and goals to clients, clients’ families, and other members of the healthcare team.
Compassion. Occupational therapists work with patients who may struggle with life’s daily activities. Because of this, they must be empathetic and sensitive to a client’s needs and concerns.
Interpersonal skills. Occupational therapists spend much of their time interacting with clients and explaining treatment. They must be able to develop a rapport with clients.
Patience. Occupational therapists work with clients who have problems with everyday activities. Therapists must remain calm in order to provide quality care.
Related occupations
How much do occupational therapists make?
The national median wage is $100,330 a year, with the middle half earning between $82,510 and $116,670 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is occupational therapists a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 40 of 100 and ranks #68 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +13.8% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a occupational therapist?
The typical entry-level education is master's degree.
Where do occupational therapists earn the most?
Among states, California pays the highest median ($124,510). Local pay for every state and metro is below.