The average occupational therapy salary can vary widely depending on various factors. These include where you practice, your workplace setting, the patient population you treat, and your experience level.
Occupational Therapy (OT) Job Outlook
Occupational therapy is one of the fastest-growing professions in the US. According to the BLS, employment is expected to grow 18 percent between 2023 and 2033.
OTs work with people with physical, mental, or cognitive disabilities to help them improve their daily living skills. They also assist patients who are recovering from a serious injury or illness.
They work in hospitals, rehabilitation and psychiatric hospitals, offices and clinics, schools, nursing homes, and home health agencies. OTs usually work 40-plus hours each week during the daytime and may need to be available for evening and weekend visits.
Occupational therapy is a rewarding career that offers job satisfaction to most workers. OTs enjoy a low-stress level, good work-life balance, and the possibility of advancement or higher salaries.
OT Education Requirements
Occupational therapy is an excellent career choice for those interested in helping people improve their strength, function, and independence. It is an exciting profession that allows you to work with various clients, including children, adults, and the elderly.
Successfully completing a master’s degree program recognized by the American Occupational Therapy Association is required for entry into the field of occupational therapy (AOTA). You can also earn a doctorate in occupational therapy by completing additional coursework.
You’ll be able to find job opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, retirement centers, schools, home healthcare settings, and therapists’ offices. Your salary will depend on the setting you choose and your experience level.
OTs can expect to earn a high salary as the field is growing much faster than average, with BLS data estimating an 18% increase in jobs over the next few years. Several factors can affect this, including reimbursement contract rates, the cost of living in your state, and market saturation.
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Occupational Therapy Salary
Occupational therapy (OT) is a branch of rehabilitation medicine that focuses on restoring people’s ability to perform meaningful activities of daily life, including work and caring for oneself. OTs work with patients of all ages, including children and adults with physical disabilities or developmental delays.
Typically, OTs are employed in medical settings, such as hospitals, clinics, retirement homes and other home healthcare settings. They also work in schools and rehabilitation centers.
The BLS estimates that the average OT salary is $96.000 in 2023. It may vary depending on years of experience, company size, practice setting and location.
The top-paying states for OTs are Nevada and California. It’s worth noting, though, that there can be a big difference in cost of living between these states. Those considering this career should research the cost of living in their area to ensure it is affordable for them. This will allow them to plan for the future and achieve a healthy financial balance.
Occupational Therapist Salary in NYC
Occupational Therapist Salary New York; The average salary for an occupational therapist in New York City is $96,000 as of the 20th of December in the year 2022, while it is expected to range anywhere from $96,000 to $110,000 in the year 2023.
OT Work Environment
The work environment is a key factor affecting an occupational therapist’s salary. You can find jobs in hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities (SNF), and even the home. While the salary varies by setting, you can find an entry level position as an OT for as little as $65,000 a year.
The best way to find out your salary is to scour the internet for the best occupational therapy salaries in your area. Some sites, such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), have research teams that produce annual salary lists and charts highlighting the most lucrative job categories in your region. Other resources like Occupational Therapy News provide the same data as the BLS with some tweaking to fit their niche. A few sites go so far as to break the top 10 OT salaries down by experience level, which is particularly useful if you’re still searching for that perfect career.