How to Become an Occupational Therapist
Help patients develop, recover, and improve skills needed for daily living and working through therapeutic activities. It typically requires a master's degree (otd, occupational therapy doctorate, becoming standard), with a median salary of $100,330 per year and much faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$100,330/yr
Job growth
7%
Openings / yr
10,200
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Patient Assessment
- Treatment Planning
- Adaptive Equipment
- Rehabilitation
- Communication
Helpful certifications
- NBCOT (National Board for Certification in OT)
- State Licensure
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
12/100
Work-life balance
62/100
Stress level
40/100
Satisfaction
78/100
Related careers
- Psychiatrist$281,870 median
- Physician (Family Medicine)$244,180 median
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)$236,590 median
- Dentist$170,950 median
- Pharmacist$140,910 median
- Optometrist$136,570 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Occupational Therapist make?
The median pay for an Occupational Therapist is $100,330 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become an Occupational Therapist?
The usual entry point is a master's degree (otd, occupational therapy doctorate, becoming standard). Common majors are Occupational Therapy, Health Sciences, Kinesiology, Biology, and Psychology.
Is Occupational Therapist a growing field?
The BLS projects much faster than average demand for this role, about 7% over the decade, with roughly 10,200 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does an Occupational Therapist use most?
Common skills for this role are Patient Assessment, Treatment Planning, Adaptive Equipment, Rehabilitation, and Communication.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.