What does an occupational therapist do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Occupational therapists evaluate and treat people with injuries, illnesses or disabilities so they can build the skills needed for daily living and work. Entry typically requires a master's degree and a state license. BLS reports a median pay of $100,330 per year (May 2025).
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 29-1122 |
| O*NET code | 29-1122.00 |
| Typical entry education | Master's degree |
| Median annual wage | $100,330 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 15 percent (much faster than average), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 169,600 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does an occupational therapist do?
BLS says occupational therapists help clients develop, recover, improve and maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. They assess a client's condition and history, build treatment plans, retrain daily living tasks, demonstrate exercises for pain relief, assess homes, schools and workplaces for accessibility, educate families, recommend and train people on adaptive equipment, and document progress.
Work environment
Occupational therapists work in settings such as hospitals, schools and outpatient clinics. The largest employers are offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists and audiologists (28 percent), hospitals (26 percent), educational services (13 percent), home healthcare services (8 percent) and nursing care facilities (7 percent).
Education, training and licensing
The typical path is a master's degree in occupational therapy. BLS says programs usually take 2 to 3 years and include supervised fieldwork. All states require licensure, which requires passing a qualifying exam, and some employers require CPR or basic life support certification.
Skills that matter
BLS lists adaptability, communication, compassion, interpersonal skills and patience as important qualities for this work.
How much does an occupational therapist make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $100,330 for occupational therapists (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of occupational therapists to grow 15 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS labels much faster than average. For comparison, BLS projects 3 percent growth for all occupations over the same period. About 10,000 openings are projected each year on average. BLS says most openings come from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force, for example to retire.
How to get hired
- Confirm your state's licensing requirements and the accreditation of your program before applying.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Physical therapists, Occupational therapy assistants and aides, Recreational therapists, Speech-language pathologists, Physician assistants.
Frequently asked questions
What degree do occupational therapists need? BLS says the typical entry-level education is a master's degree in occupational therapy, with programs usually taking 2 to 3 years and including supervised fieldwork.
Do occupational therapists need a license? Yes. BLS says all states require licensure, which requires passing a qualifying exam. Some employers also require CPR or basic life support certification.
How much do occupational therapists make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $100,330 for occupational therapists (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is occupational therapist a good career? BLS projects 15 percent growth from 2025 to 2035 (much faster than average). About 10,000 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Occupational therapists: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 29-1122.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1122.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.