Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists help people with disabilities or developmental delays rebuild independence through rehabilitation programs. They assess clients' needs, design therapeutic interventions, teach practical skills, and adapt environments to support daily living, work, and homemaking activities. Most work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, or clients' homes.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against occupational therapists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves evaluating new clients to understand their physical and cognitive abilities, planning customized therapy sessions, and conducting hands-on treatment using therapeutic techniques and adaptive equipment. Therapists might help a stroke patient regain fine motor skills, teach energy conservation strategies to someone with arthritis, or modify a workspace for an employee returning after injury. Documentation and communication with other healthcare providers occupies significant time.
Who this work suits
Holland code SIR. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely thrive in this work if you enjoy solving problems methodically and investigating how people function in their environments. People who do well here combine empathy for others' challenges with practical curiosity about adapting tasks and spaces to enable independence.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a master’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Occupational Therapist · CommonSpirit Health · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $104,048–$104,048
- Occupational Therapist · Indian Health Service · Chinle, Arizona · $74678–$116362
- Occupational Therapist · Veterans Health Administration · Buffalo, New York · $64543–$121680
- Occupational Therapist · CommonSpirit Health · Folsom, Sacramento County · $105,017–$105,017
- Occupational Therapist - HUDVASH · Veterans Health Administration · Prescott, Arizona · $108386–$140905
- Occupational Therapist (Holistic Health and Fitness) · U.S. Army Forces Command · Fort Stewart, Georgia · $89508–$116362
- Occupational Therapist (Holistic Health and Fitness) · U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command · Fort Sill, Oklahoma · $89508–$116362
- Occupational Therapist - Home Based Primary Care · Veterans Health Administration · Canton, Ohio · $93461–$121502
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $103,950 | $124,510 | $136,380 | 13,810 |
| Oregon | $99,800 | $112,310 | $127,540 | 1,170 |
| Nevada | $100,510 | $110,520 | $127,960 | 1,080 |
| District of Columbia | $96,800 | $109,170 | $125,130 | 540 |
| Washington | $95,650 | $107,670 | $127,390 | 3,340 |
| Maryland | $87,650 | $106,980 | $123,700 | 2,390 |
| Colorado | $94,210 | $106,720 | $128,250 | 3,390 |
| Arkansas | $81,810 | $106,360 | $128,220 | 2,160 |
| Texas | $85,810 | $106,140 | $127,830 | 13,400 |
| Oklahoma | $88,150 | $104,300 | $121,120 | 1,180 |
| Georgia | $82,320 | $104,010 | $118,560 | 3,650 |
| Alaska | $100,470 | $103,680 | $124,160 | 410 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) — National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.
- Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) — Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals
- Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) — Hand Therapy Certification Commission, Inc.
- Certified Low Vision Therapists (CLVT) — Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against occupational therapists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-1122.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.