OccupationHQ6 countries · 20 careers

Career profile · Healthcare

Occupational Therapist

Pay, outlook, entry requirements and what the work is like.

O*NET-SOC 29-1122.00Occupational TherapistLocal occupation match
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United States facts

Pay, opportunity and entry

United States figures: BLS OEWS May 2025 and 2024–34 employment projections.

Median annual earnings$98,340May 2025 / 2024–2034
Median annual earnings$98,340May 2025 / 2024–2034
Projected growth11%May 2025 / 2024–2034
Annual openings10.1KMay 2025 / 2024–2034
Typical educationMaster’s degreeMay 2025 / 2024–2034
Training / credentialState licensure requiredMay 2025 / 2024–2034

Missing, suppressed and stale facts are never replaced with another country’s values. Annualised figures and benchmarks are identified in their labels and source notes.

Work characteristics

What the work is like

Occupation percentiles, not ratings. Work signals are native O*NET occupation percentiles.

Social interaction85
contact, teamwork and public-facing work
Physical demand55
movement, posture and hands-on activity
Pressure exposure55
time pressure, conflict and consequences
Analytical content70
analysis, reasoning and problem-solving
People-oriented94
helping, service and relationship work
Technical content45
technology, systems and troubleshooting

Useful foundations

  • Active listening
  • Treatment planning
  • Social perceptiveness

Thinking about a change?

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Choices worth considering

Healthcare professions balancing direct care, rehabilitation and entry requirements.Occupational Therapist vs Registered NurseCompare these careers →Closely adjacent rehabilitation careers with different practice emphasis.Occupational Therapist vs PhysiotherapistCompare these careers →Direct nursing care versus rehabilitation-focused professional practice.Occupational Therapist vs Enrolled NurseCompare these careers →Diagnostic imaging versus rehabilitation practice.Occupational Therapist vs Radiologic TechnologistCompare these careers →People-centred careers connecting development, learning and support.Occupational Therapist vs Secondary TeacherCompare these careers →Allied-health careers with contrasting scope and work settings.Occupational Therapist vs Dental HygienistCompare these careers →

Career changes

Where this option could lead

See transferable strengths, qualification gaps and the realities of making each switch.

A people-centred move from learning support toward regulated rehabilitation practice.Secondary Teacher → Occupational TherapistView career change →A healthcare transition retaining direct-care experience with a different practice focus.Registered Nurse → Occupational TherapistView career change →An adjacent regulated rehabilitation move with shared patient goals but distinct professional training.Occupational Therapist → PhysiotherapistView career change →An adjacent rehabilitation move from movement-focused practice toward everyday-function support.Physiotherapist → Occupational TherapistView career change →

Explore another career

Registered Nurse→Dental Hygienist→Medical Sonographer→Enrolled Nurse→

Other countries

Sources and dates

What this profile uses

See the complete data-source register and OccupationHQ methodology.