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.

In October 2008, 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

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