OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS’ EARNING POTENTIAL
REWARDING WORK WITH JOBS ALWAYS GUARANTEED
Occupational therapy is a tough but extremely rewarding profession. It is considered one of the most fulfilling and flexible careers in health care, with most occupational therapy practitioners choosing this profession as they are passionate about helping people lead better and more productive lives.
Occupational therapy is a growing healthcare field in the United States with employment opportunities expected to steadily increase. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS- https://www.bls.gov/) employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 11 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 9,800 openings for occupational therapists are projected each year, over the coming decade.
As there is already a shortage of OTs in the USA, you will always have work and it’s highly unlikely that you can easily be replaced by AI. After all, you are part of a profession that is client centered, and your intervention is based on each individual’s specific needs, goals and preferred occupations.
SALARIES- ABOVE AVERAGE
According to the latest data from the Social Security Administration, the national average salary in the USA is $63,795. An OT’s salary, on the other hand, based on BLS’s data was $96,370 in May 2023.Therefore, an OTs salary is competitive compared to other professions, making occupational therapy a lucrative career choice.
There are other factors that determine your salary such as:
- Location: Some cities have higher average salaries than others.
- Skill level: OTs with higher skill levels may earn more.
- Experience: Salaries increase based on experience
DIVERSE PLACES TO WORK
The United States of America offers exceptional opportunities for occupational therapy practitioners due to the high demand for their specialized expertise. OTs who become certified will be able to choose which setting and population they would prefer to work with.
The choices are abundant and include:
Traditional Workplaces:
- Hospitals
- Skilled and intermediate care facilities
- Rehabilitation Hospitals and Centers
- Mental health facilities
- Senior Living Communities
- Senior day programs
- Home Health
- Early intervention programs
- School settings
- Community wellness centers
- Hand therapy clinics
Non-clinical settings:
Working as a consultant
- Assistive Technology Consultant
- Ergonomic Consultant
- Home/Workplace Modifications Consultant
- Product Development Consultant
- Corporate Health Consulting
- Private Health Coaching
Additional work opportunities:
- Educator
- Starting your own Private Practice
- Medical Equipment Sales
OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPLORE THE USA
If you are interested in seeing the country, travel occupational therapy can be lucrative as well as rewarding.
If you’re ready to boost your score on the NBCOT® exam, we invite you to contact Pass the OT today for more information.
