Occupational Therapy

Employment Outlook

Expected Growth

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-boomer generation's movement into middle age, a period when the incidence of heart attack and stroke increases, will spur the 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 the demand for therapeutic and preventive services. Driver rehabilitation and fall prevention training services 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 and extended services for disabled students. Therapists will be needed to help children with disabilities prepare to enter special education programs.

Employment of recreational therapists is expected to grow 4 percent through 2014. Healthcare facilities will provide a growing number of jobs in hospital-based adult daycare and outpatient programs and in units offering short-term mental health and alcohol or drug abuse services. Rehabilitation, home healthcare, transitional programs, and psychiatric facilities will provide additional jobs.

Earnings

Median annual earnings of occupational therapists were $54,660 in 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $45,690 and $67,010, with earnings as high as $81,600. On the average, recreational therapists' median annual earnings were $34,990 in May 2006.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Occupational Therapists (www.bls.gov/oco/ocos078.htm), and Recreational Therapists (www.bls.gov/oco/ocos082.htm).