Occupational therapy is one of the most rewarding and stable careers in health care. It combines science, creativity, and compassion to help people regain independence and perform everyday tasks after illness, injury, or developmental challenges. For those asking, “Is occupational therapy a good career?” the answer lies in its strong job outlook, diverse employment settings, and meaningful patient care opportunities.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment growth for occupational therapists is projected at 14 percent from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage is $98,340, making it one of the higher-paying roles in health sciences. These numbers, combined with flexible work settings and professional advancement options, make occupational therapy a strong and sustainable career path.
The demand for occupational therapy services continues to rise across the United States. This growth is driven by an aging population, chronic conditions, and increased emphasis on rehabilitation and preventive care.
The latest labor statistics highlight strong employment growth and competitive pay, confirming that occupational therapy remains a stable and rewarding career choice for the coming decade.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Wage | $98,340 per year |
| Job Growth (2024–2034) | 14% (Much faster than average) |
| Estimated Annual Openings | 10,200 per year |
| Typical Entry-Level Education | Master’s Degree |
| Number of Jobs (2024) | 160,000 |
The demand for occupational therapy professionals continues to rise for several reasons. As the population ages, more older adults require rehabilitation to maintain their physical health and manage chronic conditions. Therapy services have also expanded across rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics, creating more opportunities for licensed occupational therapists. Also, greater awareness of therapy’s benefits for children with developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, learning delays, and Alzheimer’s disease has strengthened job growth across healthcare and educational settings.
Occupational therapists and occupational therapy practitioners help patients improve their ability to perform daily living and routine tasks. They create individualized treatment plans to help patients regain independence and return to meaningful activities.
Their common responsibilities include:
Occupational therapists work with people of all ages, from children with learning delays to older adults recovering from strokes or managing chronic illnesses.
Occupational therapy offers flexibility across different healthcare and community settings. Each occupational therapy setting provides unique experiences and career growth opportunities.
Their common work settings include:
| Setting | Example Roles |
|---|---|
| Hospitals and Private Hospitals | Acute care, post-surgical rehabilitation |
| Rehabilitation Centers | Physical rehabilitation and long-term recovery |
| Skilled Nursing Facilities | Geriatric and chronic condition management |
| Outpatient Clinics | Orthopedic, neurological, or pediatric therapy |
| Private Practices | Specialized care and customized programs |
| Educational Settings | School-based therapy and early intervention programs |
| Home Health | Personalized treatment in patient homes |
Most occupational therapists work full-time, and some positions require evening or weekend shifts depending on patient schedules. The work environment can be physically active, involving standing, lifting, or assisting patients during therapy. Strong communication skills and interpersonal skills are critical to provide effective patient care and collaborate with healthcare teams.
Before choosing this career path, it’s helpful for prospective occupational therapists to understand both the advantages and challenges that come with the profession.
Occupational therapy offers many advantages that make it a stable and fulfilling long-term career for healthcare professionals. This includes:
Like any healthcare profession, occupational therapy presents challenges that require adaptability, resilience, and ongoing commitment to patient care. This includes:
Despite these challenges, the career offers a strong balance between salary, satisfaction, and stability. Many professionals report high job fulfillment due to the direct impact they have on improving patient outcomes.
Becoming an occupational therapist requires focused occupational therapy education and certification. The field values both clinical skill and formal training.
Educational Requirements:
Licensing and Certification:
Supervised Fieldwork: Students complete supervised fieldwork and observation hours during their degree to gain practical experience treating patients in various clinical and community settings.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs): Those who pursue the certified occupational therapy assistant route complete a shorter degree in occupational therapy and work under the supervision of licensed OTs.
Ready to put your occupational therapy education into practice? Flagstar Rehab connects skilled OTs and COTAs with rewarding placements in hospitals, schools, and rehab centers nationwide.
Occupational therapists can develop focused expertise through specialized areas of practice. Common specializations include hand therapy and upper limb rehabilitation, pediatrics and school-based therapy, gerontology and aging populations, mental health and cognitive rehabilitation, low vision and driving rehabilitation, and physical or neurological recovery. Each specialization supports therapists in delivering effective, patient-centered care across different age groups and conditions.
Many therapists also pursue advanced certifications to strengthen their skills and career opportunities. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) offers specialty certifications and continuing education programs that help professionals expand their expertise and stay current with new clinical techniques. Examples include the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), and Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT) certification. These credentials reflect advanced knowledge, improve professional credibility, and can lead to higher earning potential in clinical and leadership roles.
Pay varies based on work environment, region, and experience. Below is an overview of average salaries by setting:
| Setting | Average Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Home Health Care Services | $104,790 | Highest-paying sector |
| Skilled Nursing Facilities | $101,520 | Consistent patient load |
| Hospitals | $99,570 | Structured schedules |
| Outpatient Clinics | $94,930 | Growing field with flexibility |
| Educational Settings | $80,910 | Strong work-life balance |
Salary data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Indeed.
The national average is around $98,000 annually, but rates can be higher for travel positions or contract roles. Advanced credentials, such as hand therapy certification or leadership experience, also improve pay prospects.
Looking for competitive pay and flexible OT roles? Visit our Occupational Therapist Staffing page to join Flagstar Rehab’s national network and discover high-earning opportunities in top healthcare facilities.
Successful occupational therapists rely on strong communication skills, patience, and adaptability. They must connect with patients of all ages, adjust treatment plans to meet changing needs, and maintain detailed documentation. Organization and time management are key in managing caseloads, while continuing education helps practitioners stay current with new treatment methods and technology. These skills help therapists deliver consistent, high-quality patient care across hospitals, schools, and private practices.
Occupational therapists have the flexibility to choose a work environment that matches their interests and lifestyle. Hospitals and rehabilitation centers offer fast-paced, medically focused care, while schools and educational settings allow therapists to support children’s learning and development.
Skilled nursing facilities provide ongoing care for older adults, and home health care offers more independence and flexible scheduling. Outpatient clinics and private practices provide structured hours with specialized rehabilitation programs. For those who value variety, travel positions offer the chance to work in different states while gaining diverse experience.
This checklist outlines the key educational and professional steps every prospective occupational therapist must complete before beginning practice.
Occupational therapy offers a strong career path for professionals who value stability, growth, and meaningful patient impact. With consistent job opportunities, high satisfaction rates, and competitive pay, it remains one of the most rewarding careers in the health sciences field. For prospective occupational therapists, investing in quality education, certification, and hands-on experience provides a clear path toward a lasting and fulfilling profession.
If you’re a licensed or prospective occupational therapist looking for flexible placements, competitive pay, and career support, Flagstar Rehab can help. We specialize in connecting skilled therapists with hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school systems across the country. Whether you’re seeking full-time, part-time, or travel positions, our team simplifies the hiring and credentialing process so you can focus on patient care. Explore current occupational therapy opportunities with FSRehab and start building a rewarding career today.
The main disadvantages of being an occupational therapist include physical demands, emotional stress, and detailed documentation requirements. Therapists often stand for long hours, lift patients or equipment, and handle high caseloads. These challenges can be managed through time management, ergonomic practices, and supportive workplaces.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational therapists in nursing care facilities earn the highest average salary of about $103,210 per year. Other top-paying areas include skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, and private hospitals. Travel positions and advanced certifications can also increase earning potential.
Occupational therapy is a good career because it offers strong job growth, high satisfaction, and meaningful patient care. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 14 percent job growth from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average. Therapists can work in hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, and home health, offering flexibility and variety.
OT school is challenging because it combines academic coursework with hands-on fieldwork. Students complete studies in anatomy, psychology, and health sciences before supervised practice. Graduates must pass the NBCOT exam and meet state licensure requirements to begin their occupational therapy career.