Occupational Therapist
O*NET-SOC: 29-1122.00
Assesses, plans, and organizes rehabilitative programs to help patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities develop, recover, improve, and maintain the skills needed for daily living and working activities.
About this Role
An Occupational Therapist helps people regain independence in everyday activities after injury, illness, or developmental challenges by adapting tasks, environments, and equipment. They start by evaluating a person’s physical and mental abilities, observing how they perform basic tasks at home, work, or school, and identifying barriers such as limited strength, pain, sensory issues, or cognitive difficulties. They then design individualized therapy plans that might include exercises to improve coordination, training in using mobility or adaptive devices, and guidance on modifying the home or workplace to reduce strain and risk.
A Day in the Life
7:30 AM
Review client schedules and evaluations
Open the day’s schedule, read recent notes, and prepare any specialized equipment or activity materials for upcoming therapy sessions.
8:00 AM
Client evaluations and assessments
Conduct initial evaluations by observing a new client’s ability to perform daily tasks, testing strength, coordination, and cognitive skills, and documenting baseline levels of function.
9:30 AM
Individual therapy sessions
Lead one-on-one sessions that focus on specific skills, such as dressing, bathing, handwriting, or using a computer, adjusting difficulty and support based on the client’s progress.
12:00 PM
Lunch and break
Take a short break, often used to review assessment findings and plan any home or workplace modifications needed for certain clients.
1:00 PM
Group sessions or classroom work
Facilitate a small group session or work with children in a school setting, targeting skills like fine motor control, attention, or social interaction through structured activities.
2:30 PM
Home or workplace visits and adaptation planning
Visit a client’s home or job site to observe the environment, identify hazards or inefficiencies, and propose simple changes or equipment recommendations to support independence.
4:30 PM
Documentation and progress reports
Complete session notes, update goals, and draft progress reports for care teams, schools, or insurance companies, ensuring all documentation is accurate and timely.
6:00 PM
Team meetings and follow-up planning
Participate in care-team meetings to discuss client progress, coordinate with other professionals, and adjust plans based on new medical information or changes in the client’s situation.
Tools & Technologies
Medical & Health Records
- eClinicalWorks
- Bizmatics PrognoCIS EMR
- Casamba Smart
- HMS
- Lexrotech LxPediatric
Word Processing
- Microsoft Word
- Crick Software Clicker 4
- OpenOffice WRITER
Web & Social Media
Spreadsheets
- Microsoft Excel
Office Suites
- Microsoft Office
OCR & Scanning
- Duxbury Braille Translator
Salary Details
Salary Distribution
Most professionals earn between $80K and $110K
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $67K |
| 25th | $80K |
| 50th (Median) | $98K |
| 75th | $110K |
| 90th | $130K |
Certifications, Training & Memberships
Essential
Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR)
NBCOT
Requires passing a standardized exam after completing an accredited occupational therapy program and is essential for practicing as an occupational therapist in the United States.
State occupational therapy license
State licensing board
Grants legal authority to practice in a specific state, often tied to OTR certification and ongoing continuing education requirements.
Recommended
Specialty certifications (e.g., Certified Hand Therapist, Certified in Environmental Modification)
Hand Therapy Certification Commission
Recognize advanced skills in focused areas like hand therapy, pediatrics, or home-environment modification, and are pursued by clinicians with several years of experience.
Professional Memberships
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) membership
American Occupational Therapy Association
Provides access to research, practice guidelines, conferences, and specialty resources that support professional growth and evidence-based practice.
Work Environment
- Remote Work
- Mostly On-site
- Work Setting
- Traditional office / indoor
- Physical Activity
- Moderate physical activity
- Social Interaction
- Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
- Schedule
- Extended hours common
Your Skills & Attributes
Skills & Competencies Matches (42)
- Active ListeningStrong Match
- MonitoringStrong Match
- Service OrientationStrong Match
- Reading ComprehensionStrong Match
- WritingStrong Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Occupational Therapist a good career?
Occupational Therapist can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $98K and job outlook is growing (12% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Occupational Therapist?
The typical education requirement for a Occupational Therapist is a Master's Degree. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Occupational Therapist?
Becoming a Occupational Therapist typically requires about 6 years of higher education (including a bachelor's degree). Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Occupational Therapist?
The work-life balance for a Occupational Therapist is generally considered good, with reasonable hours and manageable workloads. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Occupational Therapist?
The job outlook for Occupational Therapist is growing. Employment is projected to grow by 12% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.