The employment outlook for occupational therapists in 2025 is strong across the United States. Healthcare facilities continue to report shortages, rising patient needs, and more demand for rehabilitation services. The occupational therapist job outlook for 2025 shows steady growth in every major care setting, and new graduates and experienced clinicians have access to more opportunities than in previous years.
The occupational therapy job demand in 2025 is shaped by population changes, healthcare needs, and the expansion of therapy services in hospitals, skilled nursing, outpatient care, schools, and home health. As the OT job market moves into 2025, occupational therapists can expect more flexibility, more mobility, and higher competition among employers who need consistent staffing support.
The employment outlook for occupational therapists in 2025 stays positive because patient demand continues to rise across hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, skilled nursing facilities, and home health programs. More people need long-term support, rehabilitation after illness or injury, and help managing chronic conditions. This ongoing need keeps the occupational therapy career outlook strong and expands opportunities for both new graduates and experienced clinicians.
Occupational therapist employment projections show steady hiring across the country as facilities work to stabilize their therapy departments and maintain consistent patient care. Many organizations now rely on staffing support to fill openings, which increases access to occupational therapy jobs in 2025. Growth is also influenced by telehealth, home-based services, and the ability to work across multiple states through licensure compacts, giving therapists more flexibility in choosing where and how they want to work.
Occupational therapist employment growth from 2024 to 2034 shows a clear long-term rise in hiring needs, according to BLS occupational therapist employment projections. This growth is driven by patient volume, demand for rehabilitation services, and increased access to specialized care. Occupational therapy jobs in 2025 are part of one of the most stable hiring categories in healthcare.
The projected growth for occupational therapists shows steady expansion across hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school systems. Growth is supported by the rise in chronic disease, post-surgical needs, and therapy programs designed to support community-based care. The aging population continues to raise the number of patients who require daily task support, mobility training, and functional improvement.
Demand-related shortages play a major role in job availability. The number of job openings for occupational therapists per year stays high because of retirements, increased patient caseloads, and facility staffing gaps. Many facilities seek both short-term and long-term coverage, which widens the field for OTs seeking contract, travel, local, or direct-hire positions.
Occupational therapy continues to rank among high-demand healthcare careers because it supports patients across the lifespan. The field is also part of the fastest-growing healthcare jobs category due to the consistent need for rehabilitation, chronic care support, and pediatric and geriatric therapy services.
Several factors contribute to the strong demand for occupational therapists in 2025, including changes in age demographics, chronic health conditions, and access to specialized services.
The aging population increases occupational therapy demand because more adults require support with mobility, strength, daily tasks, cognitive challenges, and independence at home. Facilities across the country report rising patient volume due to longer life expectancy and more seniors seeking rehabilitation services.
Many patients need occupational therapy for chronic conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and long-term pain disorders. Chronic illness often impacts a person’s ability to complete routine activities, which creates more referrals for occupational therapists.
Occupational therapy for stroke and brain injury remains a major driver of therapy needs. Patients recovering from neurological events often need months or years of structured rehabilitation, which aligns with NIH stroke rehabilitation information. This increases hiring needs for inpatient rehab centers and outpatient neuro-rehabilitation programs.
Occupational therapy for autism spectrum disorder continues to grow as more children receive early intervention, school-based services, or clinic-based pediatric therapy. Pediatric occupational therapy jobs are among the most consistently open positions across the OT job market in 2025.
The OT job outlook 2025 shows steady demand across hospitals, home health programs, rehabilitation centers, schools, and community-based services. These settings continue to hire due to rising patient volume and ongoing staffing shortages.
Hospitals continue to expand rehabilitation teams as patient volume increases. OTs support medical-surgical, orthopedic, and neurological units and help patients regain function after illness or injury. Many hospitals also hire OTs to support early mobility and reduce readmissions.
Rehabilitation centers hire OTs to help patients recover after surgery, stroke, and traumatic injury. Many report higher admissions and longer waitlists, which drive steady hiring needs. Therapists who enjoy intensive, goal-focused treatment often find strong opportunities here.
Skilled nursing facilities remain one of the biggest employers due to the growing senior population. OTs help residents improve daily function, mobility, and safety. SNFs hire year-round, offering reliable and stable job openings.
Home health continues to grow because more patients prefer to recover at home. OTs complete safety evaluations, recommend home modifications, and support daily living skills. This setting offers flexibility and strong long-term demand.
School districts continue to expand therapy services for students with motor, sensory, and learning needs. School-based OTs support classroom participation and functional skills. These positions provide predictable schedules and consistent hiring for both OTs and OTAs.
Specialty areas also show higher demand as patient needs become more specific across age groups and conditions. High-need roles include:
Salary trends show stable income levels and steady career growth.
The median salary for occupational therapists was 98,340 in May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of all therapists earned above this amount, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than 67,090 dollars, and the highest 10 percent earned more than 129,830 dollars. Pay varies based on location, specialty area, and the type of facility.
BLS data shows that the highest paying OT settings include:
These settings continue to offer competitive income packages due to higher patient volume and ongoing staffing shortages.
Salary levels differ from one state to another because of variations in demand, cost of living, and workforce shortages. States with higher hiring needs often provide stronger income ranges and may include sign-on bonuses or relocation assistance for qualified therapists. BLS state-level data support these trends, with wide differences across the country.
If you are an OT looking for flexible, high-demand roles across hospitals, SNFs, schools, or outpatient centers, Flagstar Rehab can help you find a position that matches your goals. Explore our occupational therapist staffing services to view current opportunities and placement options.
Occupational therapists entering the 2025 job market need the right education, clinical training, and licensure to qualify for competitive roles.
Occupational therapists must complete a master’s degree in occupational therapy or enroll in entry-level OTD programs to meet educational standards. Occupational therapy degree requirements usually include prerequisite coursework, supervised fieldwork, and successful completion of clinical training. These steps prepare therapists to treat patients safely and meet state licensing expectations.
The doctor of occupational therapy (OTD) degree continues to grow in popularity as more students seek advanced training. Many graduates choose OTD programs to access leadership roles, specialty practice areas, and broader career opportunities. The added coursework also prepares therapists for program development and systems-level responsibilities.
All therapists must pass the NBCOT certification exam before applying for state licensure. The exam confirms the therapist’s ability to deliver safe and effective occupational therapy services. Occupational therapy licensure requirements vary by state, and therapists must stay current with renewal rules and continuing education.
Flagstar Rehab supports OTs with credentialing guidance, job matching, and access to high-demand roles nationwide. Learn more about our occupational therapist placement programs to see how we connect clinicians with roles that fit their skills and career goals.
A specialized staffing agency like Flagstar Rehab in New York helps occupational therapists secure jobs faster by reducing the time spent searching, applying, and managing paperwork. Instead of sorting through listings, therapists get direct access to roles that match their skills, preferences, and career goals across multiple care settings.
How Flagstar Rehab supports OTs:
With this support, occupational therapists can transition into high-demand positions with less stress and clearer direction. Flagstar Rehab ensures each OT finds a role that fits their schedule, strengths, and long-term goals.
The employment outlook for occupational therapists in 2025 remains strong across all major care settings. Rising patient needs, expanded rehabilitation services, and staffing shortages continue to create steady openings for new graduates and experienced clinicians. With long-term job growth projected, OTs can build stable careers in hospitals, skilled nursing, outpatient care, home health, and schools, with opportunities to specialize and advance.
If you’re an occupational therapist seeking flexible roles, career stability, and support through the hiring process, Flagstar Rehab can help. We connect OTs with high-demand positions nationwide and offer credentialing guidance, job matching, and placement options based on your skills and goals. Contact Flagstar Rehab today to get started.
The job outlook for occupational therapists is strong due to rising patient needs and staffing shortages across healthcare settings. Hiring demand continues to increase each year, especially in rehabilitation and long-term care. OTs can expect steady job availability across most regions in 2025.
Yes, occupational therapy is in high demand in New York across hospitals, schools, skilled nursing facilities, and home health programs. Many providers report consistent openings due to workforce shortages. OTs and OTAs can expect strong job access in both urban and suburban areas.
The job outlook for therapists across rehabilitation fields remains positive. Physical, occupational, and speech therapists all see steady hiring due to aging populations and chronic care needs. Most facilities continue to expand therapy services to meet patient demand.
The highest demand for occupational therapists is in skilled nursing facilities, home health programs, and rehabilitation centers. These settings care for patients with long-term or intensive therapy needs. Hospitals and school districts also continue to hire OTs consistently due to rising referrals.