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Job outlook for registered occupational therapists in the United States
Registered occupational therapist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected registered occupational therapist job growth rate is 14% from 2018-2028.
About 18,600 new jobs for registered occupational therapists are projected over the next decade.
Registered occupational therapist salaries have increased 5% for registered occupational therapists in the last 5 years.
There are over 98,620 registered occupational therapists currently employed in the United States.
There are 48,865 active registered occupational therapist job openings in the US.
The average registered occupational therapist salary is $81,135.
Are registered occupational therapist jobs in demand?
Registered occupational therapist job and salary trends over time
Registered occupational therapist jobs over time
Registered occupational therapist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 98,620 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 97,743 | 0.03% |
| 2019 | 103,110 | 0.03% |
| 2018 | 97,956 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 97,260 | 0.03% |
Average registered occupational therapist salary over time
Registered occupational therapist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $81,135 | $39.01 | +1.6% |
| 2024 | $79,885 | $38.41 | +0.8% |
| 2023 | $79,245 | $38.10 | +1.3% |
| 2022 | $78,239 | $37.61 | +1.6% |
| 2021 | $77,026 | $37.03 | +2.2% |
Registered occupational therapist jobs by state
Most common states for registered occupational therapists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 193 | 26% |
| 2 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 437 | 23% |
| 3 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 531 | 18% |
| 4 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,120 | 17% |
| 5 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 535 | 17% |
| 6 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 180 | 17% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 163 | 17% |
| 8 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 118 | 17% |
| 9 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 948 | 16% |
| 10 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 209 | 16% |
| 11 | Vermont | 623,657 | 102 | 16% |
| 12 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,239 | 15% |
| 13 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,108 | 15% |
| 14 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 835 | 15% |
| 15 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,486 | 14% |
| 16 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 863 | 14% |
| 17 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,689 | 13% |
| 18 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,154 | 13% |
| 19 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 730 | 13% |
| 20 | Texas | 28,304,596 | 3,308 | 12% |
Most common cities for registered occupational therapists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lawrenceville | 1 | 3% | $69,737 |
| 2 | Michigan City | 1 | 3% | $73,194 |
| 3 | Hilo | 1 | 2% | $95,639 |
| 4 | Leominster | 1 | 2% | $82,944 |
| 5 | Ocala | 1 | 2% | $70,466 |
| 6 | Lakewood | 1 | 1% | $72,595 |
| 7 | Muncie | 1 | 1% | $72,998 |
| 8 | Boston | 3 | 0% | $83,336 |
| 9 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $69,744 |
| 10 | Colorado Springs | 1 | 0% | $72,325 |
| 11 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $72,463 |
| 12 | Fort Wayne | 1 | 0% | $73,182 |
| 13 | Glendale | 1 | 0% | $86,837 |
Registered Occupational Therapist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of registered occupational therapist experts
Northeastern State University
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Springfield College
Colorado State University
West Texas A&M University
Antioch University
Courtney Gohean MS, OTR/L, CLT
Academic Fieldwork CoordinatorWhat general advice would you give to a Registered Occupational Therapist?
Courtney Gohean MS, OTR/L, CLT: Embrace Lifelong Learning: Occupational therapy is a dynamic field with continuous advancements. Stay current by attending workshops, seminars, and pursuing further certifications. This will not only enhance your skills but also keep you competitive in the job market.
What Registered Occupational Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Courtney Gohean MS, OTR/L, CLT: Telehealth Competence: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telehealth. Being proficient in delivering therapy remotely is becoming a necessary skill. This includes understanding how to use telehealth platforms, ensuring patient engagement, and adapting therapeutic techniques for virtual sessions.
What will help Registered Occupational Therapists increase their earning potential?
Courtney Gohean MS, OTR/L, CLT: Specialize: Pursue certifications in high-demand areas such as hand therapy, pediatric therapy, or geriatric care. Specializations can make you more valuable to employers and allow you to command a higher salary.
What general advice would you give to a Registered Occupational Therapist?
Nicole Scheiman DrOT, MHS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, CES, CKTP, CEES-Advanced, CSST, CDCS, CORE: Likes: 1. Impactful Work, 2. Holistic Approach, 3. Diverse Opportunities, 4. Client-Centered Care, 5. Creative Interventions. Dislikes: 1. Administrative Burden, 2. Limited Resources, 3. High Stress Environments, 4. Complex Cases, 5. Scope of Practice.
What Registered Occupational Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Nicole Scheiman DrOT, MHS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, CES, CKTP, CEES-Advanced, CSST, CDCS, CORE: Occupational therapy is a rewarding profession to enter for several reasons: 1. Growing Demand, 2. Diverse Opportunities, 3. Holistic Approach, 4. Focus on Functionality, 5. Opportunities for Creativity, 6. Interdisciplinary Collaboration.
What will help Registered Occupational Therapists increase their earning potential?
Nicole Scheiman DrOT, MHS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, CES, CKTP, CEES-Advanced, CSST, CDCS, CORE: Occupational therapy (OT) is a rewarding profession to enter for several reasons:
1. **Growing Demand**: The demand for occupational therapy services is expected to continue increasing due to factors such as an aging population, advances in medical technology, and a greater emphasis on preventive care and rehabilitation. This demand ensures job stability and opportunities for career growth.
2. **Diverse Opportunities**: OT practitioners work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, community health centers, mental health facilities, and private practices. This diversity allows OT professionals to explore different areas of practice and find roles that align with their interests and career goals.
3. **Holistic Approach**: Occupational therapy takes a holistic approach to healthcare, focusing on helping individuals participate in meaningful activities and improve their overall quality of life. OT practitioners address physical, cognitive, emotional, and environmental factors that impact a person's ability to engage in daily activities, making it a fulfilling profession.
4. **Focus on Functionality**: OT interventions are designed to enhance clients' functional abilities and independence in activities of daily living, work, leisure, and social participation. This client-centered approach empowers individuals to achieve their goals and live life to the fullest.
5. **Opportunities for Creativity**: Occupational therapists often utilize creative and innovative strategies to develop individualized treatment plans that meet the unique needs and preferences of their clients. This creativity allows OT practitioners to tailor interventions and adapt approaches to different situations and populations.
6. **Interdisciplinary Collaboration**: OT professionals collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals, educators, social workers, and community members to provide comprehensive care and support to clients. This interdisciplinary teamwork fosters a rich learning environment and promotes holistic approaches to healthcare delivery.
Overall, occupational therapy offers a dynamic and fulfilling career path for individuals who are passionate about helping others, promoting independence, and making a positive impact on people's lives.
Dr. Julie Estes
Assistant Clinical InstructorNortheastern State University
Occupational Therapy Program
What skills stand out on Registered Occupational Therapist resumes?
Dr. Julie Estes: This would depend, is the OT was a new graduate or a practicing therapist? When looking at resumes from recent graduates, I look for participation in their programs clubs such as the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA), fieldwork experiences, and if they took additional opportunities to get experience through job shadowing outside of the program required fieldwork. When looking at resumes from practicing therapists, experience is also important, but I look to see how much time they have spent at their previous jobs. If the person's resume shows that they have a pattern of changing jobs every 1-2 years, that is a red flag. Continuing education and additional certifications also show that the therapist takes the initiative to hone their skills to benefit their clients.
What soft skills should all Registered Occupational Therapists possess?
Dr. Julie Estes: Many soft skills are essential such as:
-Energy and enthusiasm for your field, loving what you do, and wanting to make a difference in clients' lives.
-Strong interpersonal skills and knowing how to relate to people from different backgrounds and cultures.
-Being sincere and knowing how to show empathy and compassion toward clients going through difficult challenges in their lives.
-Organizational skills: knowing how to organize a daily schedule in any setting is essential due to time constraints such as productivity. Allowing time to make sure each client is seen while sometimes working around others' schedules such as physicians, teachers, other therapists. OTs need to be present and provide treatment for each client while not disrupting the workflow of others, such as physicians, teachers, or other therapists.
-Flexibility, being prepared for each day (client, meetings, etc.), but knowing that things can change in an instant and having a backup plan. Going in with a plan A, but knowing you may have to use plan B, C or D. We work with people from all walks of life and stages of life; being okay with knowing that your plan may not go as expected is essential.
-Problem solving, we are professional problem solvers. The Department of Labor's ONet OnLine categorizes occupational therapy as an "investigative occupation." We look at an individual's daily routine, goals, and environment, identify barriers, and plan treatments that help modify, build, or restore daily living skills and independence.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Registered Occupational Therapists?
Dr. Julie Estes: -Effective communication and collaboration: OT's work not only with clients but family members, doctors, other professionals such as occupational therapy assistants, physical therapists, and insurance companies in various settings. This job requires that we collaborate with various individuals for the benefit of the clients. Being able to communicate in written and verbal format is a vital component to team success. The ability to explain medical jargon to clients so they understand and proficiently write notes regarding client intervention detailing progress can make the difference in reimbursement and client discharge plans.
-Knowing medical terminology, physical and neurological needs of clients, including protocols for specific diagnoses and treatments, helps in planning intervention while preventing further injury to our clients.
-Good observational skills include looking at clients' complete daily tasks, breaking the activity down to identify barriers, and collaborating with the client to develop an effective treatment plan to help them return to what they find meaningful is our focus.
-Though our job is hands-on, we must also have technological skills for documentation purposes (electronic medical records). With COVID-19, understanding how to see clients virtually has been a learning curve for some.
What skills will help Registered Occupational Therapists earn the most?
Dr. Julie Estes: Years of experience, additional certifications, and the ability to work in various settings will help you set yourself up for greater earning potential. Certain settings pay more than others, as well as certain states. Sometimes you have to weigh the pay against the benefits; for example, if you work in a school setting, your income may be less than in a hospital setting, but you have summers off. This is something the person needs to determine on their own what is most important.
Dr. Nathan Tenhundfeld Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Human FactorsUniversity of Alabama in Huntsville
Psychology Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Registered Occupational Therapists?
Dr. Nathan Tenhundfeld Ph.D.: Technical skills like the ability to perform statistical analyses are critically important for most Psychology-related jobs. This allows a candidate to collect and analyze data but also to interpret and understand other existing data. A strong statistical background can also help set a candidate apart from their peers in the application process. This includes understanding when and how to use various parametric and nonparametric statistics to be able to answer questions regardless of the data one is working with.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Registered Occupational Therapists?
Elizabeth Morgan Ph.D.: There seems to be the potential for a number of cross-cutting impacts on graduates from a variety of disciplines related to the coronavirus pandemic, including interruptions in their academic pursuits (e.g., taking more time to finish due to lack of internships, ability to complete coursework due to family obligations or health issues, or a lack of finances to pay for their education).
Once graduated, it is likely that they are encountering a shrinking marketplace for hiring, with companies enacting freezes due to economic uncertainty. Furthermore, more young adults are turning to live with parents, which might make it harder to find a job since they are tied to a residence (or because they may not need to work if parents are subsidizing them).
Related to Psychology in particular, graduates may find an increased need for mental health workers due to lasting effects from workplace instability, social isolation, and health fears. There will likely be enduring changes in the way human services are provided, including increased telehealth practices or services provided via webinars versus in-person programming that might require additional training or acquiring a new skill set on the job.
Julie Seidle Ph.D.
Instructor & Research AssociateColorado State University
Department of Occupational Therapy
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Registered Occupational Therapist job market given the pandemic?
Julie Seidle Ph.D.: I believe one of the biggest trends we will see, given the pandemic, is expansion of telehealth services for occupational therapy (OT). Provisions and reimbursement for telehealth OT services were limited before the pandemic but many states have allowed for telehealth to be used in response to COVID-19. It will be interesting to see to what extent these allowances of telehealth continue following the pandemic.
Another trend to consider is the number of practitioners leaving the field. This trend began before the pandemic with payment restructuring, loss of jobs, and burnout related to working within healthcare systems. These issues were only magnified by the pandemic and need to be addressed for the health of both our profession and the clients we serve. However, this has resulted in a greater number of OTs and OTAs using their skills in interesting and innovative ways. We are seeing these practitioners use their creativity, knowledge, and experience to expand services in non-traditional or emerging practice areas. We are also seeing practitioners shine in a range of entrepreneurial pursuits. I am amazed and inspired everyday by practitioners who continue working towards enhancing supports and services across traditional and non-traditional settings, especially during this pandemic.
What technical skills for a Registered Occupational Therapist stand out to employers?
Julie Seidle Ph.D.: As a community-based practitioner and employer, I look for a practitioner that has a strong foundational knowledge of OT and the technical skills needed for the practice setting. But I am also looking for someone who has strong interpersonal skills and demonstrates openness and flexibility to an ever-changing practice space. I enjoy working with practitioners who are creative with their skill set and can adjust to a variety of client needs. Practitioners also need to be able to take initiative and work well with all levels of the client system.
How have salaries changed over time for Registered Occupational Therapists?
Julie Seidle Ph.D.: Two things come to mind when I think of the discussions I have had related to salaries: cost of education and salaries reflecting the level of education needed to practice. As the level of education required to enter the field has risen, so have the costs of becoming a practitioner. Many practitioners then find that their salaries in the field do not necessarily rise to reflect their level of education. Both of these issues have the potential to negatively impact the strength of our field and need to be included in continued conversations around addressing and improving diversity, equity, and inclusion within the field.
What experience really stands out on Registered Occupational Therapist resumes?
Dr. Brenda Cross: Volunteering and job shadowing are often seen as a positive on a resume. We are also always looking for students who have experience working with children or adults, as they tend to have developed skills that are useful in the clinic.
Dr. Erica Holmes
Associate Program ChairAntioch University
Psychological Trauma Studies Specialization
How do you envision technology impacting Registered Occupational Therapists in the next 5 years?
Dr. Erica Holmes: The COVID19 crisis thrust many therapists into the world of telehealth. Many of whom, never imagined working with mental health clients over video-conferencing, and a large number were vehemently opposed to the idea. However, as the old saying goes, "Necessity is the mother of invention." With no other option, mental health practitioners and their governing licensing boards have been forced to move from the standard face-to-face delivery model to technology-based platforms, to continue providing much-needed services to their clients.
This has necessitated the development of HIPPA compliant software, adoption of new ethics and legal codes to protect client welfare, and a myriad of new protocols. I doubt that our field will ever completely return to operating the way we were trained, prior to the pandemic. I believe that our field will continue to have increased integration of technology in our standard operations to a much greater degree than any of us could have imagined at the beginning of this year. I foresee the use of teletherapy; electronic session note keeping, automated scheduling, using text messaging to communicate with clients, etc. will become standard practice over the next five years.