Employment
Occupational therapists hold about 92,000 jobs.
About 1 in 10 occupational therapists held more than
one job.
The largest number of jobs are in hospitals.
Other major employers are offices of other health
practitioners (including offices of occupational
therapists), public and private educational
services, and nursing care facilities.
Some occupational therapists are employed by home
health care services, outpatient care centers,
offices of physicians, individual and family
services, community care facilities for the elderly,
and government agencies.
A small number of occupational therapists are
self-employed in private practice. These
practitioners see clients referred by physicians or
other health professionals or provided contract or
consulting services to nursing care facilities,
schools, adult day care programs, and home health
care agencies.
Future Outlook
Employment of occupational therapists is expected
to increase much faster than the average for all
occupations through 2014. The impact of proposed
Federal legislation imposing limits on reimbursement
for therapy services may adversely affect the job
market for occupational therapists in the short run.
However, over the long run, the demand for
occupational therapists should continue to rise as a
result of growth in the number of individuals with
disabilities or limited function who require therapy
services.
The baby-boom generation’s movement into middle
age, a period when the incidence of heart attack and
stroke increases, will spur demand for therapeutic
services. Growth in the population 75 years and
older—an age group that suffers from high incidences
of disabling conditions—also will increase demand
for therapeutic services.
Driver rehabilitation and fall-prevention
training for the elderly are emerging practice areas
for occupational therapy. In addition, medical
advances now enable more patients with critical
problems to survive—patients who ultimately may need
extensive therapy.
Hospitals will continue to employ a large number
of occupational therapists to provide therapy
services to acutely ill inpatients. Hospitals also
will need occupational therapists to staff their
outpatient rehabilitation programs.
Employment growth in schools will result from the
expansion of the school-age population, the
extension of services for disabled students, and an
increasing prevalence of sensory disorders in
children. Therapists will be needed to help children
with disabilities prepare to enter special education
programs.
Earnings of Occupational Therapists
Median annual earnings of occupational therapists
are $54,660. The middle 50 percent earn between
$45,690 and $67,010. The lowest 10 percent earn less
than $37,430, and the highest 10 percent earn more
than $81,600. Median annual earnings in the
industries employing the largest numbers of
occupational therapists are:
- Home health care services $58,720
- Offices of other health practitioners
$56,620
- Nursing care facilities $56,570
- General medical and surgical hospitals
$55,710
- Elementary and secondary schools $48,580
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