Summary
![Occupational therapists](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120917033410im_/http://www.bls.gov/ooh/images/p16-to-p17/p177-1-jpg.jpg)
Quick Facts: Occupational Therapists | |
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$72,320 per year
$34.77 per hour |
|
Master’s degree | |
None | |
None | |
108,800 | |
33% (Much faster than average) | |
36,400 |
What Occupational Therapists Do
Occupational therapists treat patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.
Work Environment
Occupational therapists held about 108,800 jobs in 2010. Forty-eight percent of occupational therapists worked in offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologist or hospitals. Others worked in schools, nursing homes, and home health services.
How to Become an Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists need a master’s degree in occupational therapy. Additionally, all states require occupational therapists to be licensed.
Pay
The median annual wage of occupational therapists was $72,320 in May 2010.
Job Outlook
Employment of occupational therapists is expected to increase 33 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. Occupational therapy will continue to be an important part of treatment for people with various illnesses and disabilities, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral palsy, autism, or the loss of a limb.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of occupational therapists with similar occupations.
O*NET
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Contacts for More Information
Learn more about occupational therapists by contacting these additional resources.