Occupational Therapist: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What does an Occupational Therapist do?

An Occupational Therapist (OT) helps clients improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily living and working environments. They assist people of all ages who suffer from physical, sensory, or cognitive problems, helping them regain independence and improve their quality of life.

Occupational Therapist: Main duties

Occupational Therapists in the Healthcare field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

Assess clients' needs and create individual treatment plans.
Help clients improve their motor skills and reasoning abilities.
Develop and lead activities that promote health and wellness.
Guide clients in the use of adaptive equipment to improve function in their home and work environments.
Evaluate clients' progress and make adjustments to the therapy plan as needed.
Document treatment and progress reports in client records.
Consult with other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care.
Advise on home and workplace environmental modifications.
Provide guidance to family members and caregivers.

Occupational Therapist: Key Qualifications

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Occupational Therapy.
State licensure as an occupational therapist.
Completion of required fieldwork hours.
Certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) may be required.

Basic Skills and Requirements for Occupational Therapists

Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to create and follow through with individualized care plans.
Excellent problem-solving skills and analytical ability.
Knowledge of therapeutic techniques and interventions.
Patience and empathy for dealing with clients facing physical and emotional challenges.
Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Salary Expectations for Occupational Therapists

Job	Branch	Avg. US Salary
Occupational Therapist	Healthcare	91,280 USD

The average salary for an Occupational Therapist in the U.S. is approximately $91,280 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Occupational Therapists may receive a wide range of benefits.

Level	Experience	Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran	20+ years	$114,100
Senior	11+ years	$100,408
Experienced	6-10 years	$91,280
Mid Level	3-5 years	$82,152
Entry Level	0-2 years	$68,460

To explore more detailed salary information, including specific salary estimates in your country, visit the Occupational Therapist Salary Country Overview.

Career Path for Occupational Therapists

Occupational Therapists typically start their careers with a master's degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program. Some programs may also offer doctoral degrees in occupational therapy (OTD). Before applying to graduate programs, aspiring occupational therapists typically complete prerequisite coursework in areas such as anatomy, physiology, psychology, and sociology.

During their graduate studies, students gain hands-on experience through fieldwork and clinical rotations in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and community health agencies. After completing their degree requirements, graduates must pass a national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) to become licensed practitioners.

With experience, Occupational Therapists can advance to roles such as Senior Therapist, Clinical Specialist, or Program Manager, where they may supervise staff, develop treatment programs, or oversee departmental operations. Some therapists may choose to specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health, or hand therapy, depending on their interests and career goals.

Continued education, professional development, and maintaining licensure are essential for success in this field. Occupational Therapists may also pursue specialty certifications or advanced degrees to expand their knowledge and expertise in specific practice areas.

Occupational Therapist: Work Environment

Occupational Therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and private practices. They collaborate closely with patients, families, caregivers, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans and goals.

The work environment is patient-centered and interdisciplinary, with therapists often working as part of a healthcare team to address clients' physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs. They use a variety of therapeutic interventions, activities, and adaptive equipment to help clients regain independence, improve function, and participate in meaningful activities.

Occupational Therapists may work with clients of all ages and abilities, from infants with developmental delays to older adults recovering from injuries or surgeries. They assess clients' functional abilities, evaluate their home or work environments, and provide recommendations for modifications or accommodations to support their independence and safety.

While standard business hours are common, Occupational Therapists may need to work evenings, weekends, or holidays to accommodate clients' schedules and treatment needs. The job requires strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations.

Overall, being an Occupational Therapist offers the opportunity to make a positive impact on individuals' lives and help them achieve their highest level of independence and quality of life. It's a rewarding career for those who are passionate about helping others and enjoy working in a dynamic and fulfilling healthcare profession.

Occupational Therapist: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

Learn about the role of an Occupational Therapist, including duties, qualifications, and skills required to help clients regain independence.