Occupational Therapy Job Outlook

Taken from the American Occupational Therapy Compensation and Workforce Study, 2010 as reported in "Workforce Trends in Occupational Therapy," ATOA, October 2011.

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.

2011-
According to an article by the American Occupational Therapy Association, the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected employment of occupational therapists to increase by 26% and of occupational therapy assistants to increase by 30% or more between 2008 and 2018 (table at right). This projection is based on the Bureau's assumptions that demographic trends and advances in medical technology will continue to fuel demand for therapy services. Read the full article on workforce trends.

Occupational Therapists are in high demand according to figures posted on the job listings site SimplyHired.com, the Wall Street Journal reports in its Septmber 2, 2011 issue. Read Where the Jobs Are.

2010-
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 December 3, 2010 online issue of US News and World Report lists Occupational Therapy as a “best career.”

"As one of the 50 Best Careers of 2011, [Occupatonal Therapy] should have strong growth over the next decade." --US News and World Report Online, December 3, 2010

2009-
In December, US News and World Report released "Best Careers 2009" which listed occupational therapy as a top career choice. Read press release.

2008-
In October, The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. released new information regarding the employment outlook for occupational therapy. The press release headline reads "Occupational Therapy Named One of Nation's 150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs - Occupational Therapy Among the Best Paying, Fastest Growing Jobs." The data provided indicates a median annual income of $60,470 for occupational therapists.

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