Occupational Therapy Job Outlook

Students today can look forward to dynamic careers working in multiple settings with people of all ages. The demand for occupational therapy services is strong.

The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics projected employment of occupational therapists to increase between 21% and 35% between 2000 and 2010. Based on a 2003 survey of education program directors, 95% of students were able to secure jobs within 6-8 weeks of graduation. For more information, check out the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics data for 2006 indicate a median annual income of $60,470 for occupational therapists. Information from the 2006 American Occupational Therapy Association Workforce and Compensation Survey indicates a median salary in the North Central US to be $53,000.

Occupational therapy practitioners work in a wide range of settings including

34.4% Schools
25.3% Hospitals
13.4% Nursing Facilities
5.5% Academic
3.7% Home Health
3.5% Behavioral Health