Occupational Therapy: Jobs, Responsibilities, and Salaries
Occupational Therapists (OTs) are the behind-the-scenes problem-solvers of healthcare—helping people regain independence, adapt to new challenges, and return to the routines that make life feel normal. Whether someone is recovering from a stroke, managing chronic pain, navigating a developmental delay, or adjusting to life after an injury, occupational therapy bridges the gap between medical treatment and real-world function.
SnapCare is proud to support all our clinicians at all stages of their careers. In this guide, we’ll break down what Occupational Therapists do, the education and certifications required, key responsibilities and day-to-day work, and how OT salaries and total compensation typically compare across settings and roles.
What Is an Occupational Therapist?
An Occupational Therapist (OT) is a licensed healthcare professional who helps people of all ages improve their ability to do the everyday activities that matter most to them—like dressing, eating, walking, or participating in hobbies. Occupational therapists will collaborate with you to identify challenges and develop goals for movement. They find practical, personalized ways to improve independence and quality of life.
What Do Occupational Therapists Treat?
Occupational therapists treat people across the board to improve their movement in their daily lives. They can help patients overcome mental and social challenges while accomplishing their routine tasks safely.
Occupational therapists work with people across ages, conditions, and stages of recovery. Their patients include people in recovery from surgeries, injuries, or trauma like:
Fractures
Burns
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Amputation
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Strokes
OTs also work with people with chronic conditions like:
Spina bifida
Cancer
Parkinsons
Cerebral palsy (CP)
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Occupational therapists might also work with individuals as they age and need to find adaptive ways to live their everyday lives. In addition, they also support people with disabilities like Autism, developmental delays, and Down Syndrome.
What Education and Certifications Do Occupational Therapists Need?
Occupational therapists will need to complete a bachelor’s degree, often in a related field like biology or kinesiology, in addition to a master’s degree in occupational therapy. During their studies, they will need to gain clinical experience by shadowing licensed OTs.
After completing their degree programs, they must pass the NBCOT Occupational Therapist Registered exam to gain their OTR certification. Then they must apply for their state license after earning their OTR certification.
There is an opportunity for OTs to continue their education and gain certifications in specific specialties. Specialty areas include:
Aging patient-related issues
Mental Health
Pediatrics
Motor Skills
Patient access to independence outside the home
Patient’s ability to eat and swallow
In-school care
Occupational Therapist Responsibilities
While responsibilities vary by setting, most OTs regularly:
Conduct evaluations (strength, coordination, cognition, sensory processing, mobility, ADLs)
Create individualized treatment plans with measurable goals
Deliver therapy interventions (skill-building, training, adaptation, education)
Recommend and train patients on adaptive equipment and assistive technology
Fabricate or fit splints/orthotics in certain settings (e.g., hands/upper extremity)
Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team (PT, SLP, nursing, physicians, educators)
Document progress, outcomes, and discharge planning for compliance and reimbursement
Educate family/caregivers for safe carryover at home or school
What is the Average Occupational Therapist Salary?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for Occupational Therapists was $98,340 (May 2024). The average salary for OTs is around 40% hirer compared to the average salary in the United States.
It’s important to note that the BLS projects a 14% growth in the field from 2024-2034, which is faster than average.
Factors That Influence Pay
OT compensation can vary significantly based on:
Setting: hospitals vs. schools vs. home health vs. skilled nursing
Location: cost of living, local demand, and employer density
Experience: new grad vs. senior clinician vs. lead/supervisor
Specialization: hands/upper extremity, neuro, low vision, lymphedema, seating & mobility
Productivity/reimbursement model: especially in outpatient and contract roles
Employment type: W-2 staff, contractor, travel OT, private practice
Total Compensation
Salary is only part of the picture. Total compensation packages may include extra benefits like health coverage, paid time off, and retirement plans.
When you choose to work with SnapCare, all of our roles come with extra benefits designed to support Occupational Therapists like:
Flexible scheduling
24/7 clinician support
Cash bonus opportunities through our Clinician Recognition and Referral Programs
How Do Occupational Therapists' Salaries Compare?
Careers | Required Entry-Level Education | Median Salaries |
Occupational Therapist | Master’s Degree | $98,340 |
Physical Therapists | Doctorate Degree | $101,020 |
Registered Nurse | Bachelor’s Degree & certifications | $93,600 |
Speech-Language Pathologists | Master’s degree | $95,410 |
Physician | Doctoral or Professional degree | $239,200 |
Source: BLS
Occupational Therapist jobs pay similarly to other rehab and healthcare careers, which often land in the same range as Physical Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists. They make a good amount of money compared to the amount of schooling that is required. It’s important to note that setting, region, and career path can change salary considerably.
Get Started with an Occupational Therapist Job
Occupational therapy is a career built on practical impact: helping people do the everyday things that matter most, with greater safety, confidence, and independence. Occupational Therapists play a vital role across hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, home health, and beyond.
Ready to get started with Occupational Therapy? Start with SnapCare today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to work as an OT?
Yes. In the U.S., OTs must pass the NBCOT exam and meet state licensure requirements.
How long does it take to become an Occupational Therapist?
Commonly: undergraduate prerequisites + entry-level OT graduate program + fieldwork + exam/licensure. Timelines vary by program format.
Where do Occupational Therapists work most often?
Hospitals, inpatient rehab, outpatient clinics, schools, skilled nursing facilities, and home health are common settings.
Do OTs help with mental health?
Yes. OT can support routines, coping strategies, life skills, and participation—often as part of a multidisciplinary behavioral health team.
What is a good first OT job for new grades?
One that offers structured mentorship, realistic productivity expectations, and a patient population you are excited to learn with.
What is the best way to increase OT earnings over time?
Common routes include specializing, moving into higher-paying settings, taking on leadership roles, travel contracts, or building skills that support advanced clinical positions.