7 Highest Paying Occupational Therapy Job
If you want to optimize your salary as an occupational therapist, you’re in the right place. Nurse.org has compiled a list of the top 7 highest-paying occupational therapist jobs. Read on to find out how you can make the most money as an OT!
7 Highest Paying Occupational Therapist Jobs
Just how much does an OT make? The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that OTs earn a median annual salary of $98,340 or $47.28 per hour as of May 2024. But that will depend on your employer, location, and, of course, what kind of role you’re in.
1. Virtual Occupational Therapist
- Salary: $94,375 (ZipRecruiter)
- Duties: Virtual Occupational Therapists perform the same duties as an occupational therapist but via remote video conferencing. They assess patients, develop treatment plans, deliver therapy, perform home safety evaluations, and educate patients and their caregivers.
- Requirements
- Earn an undergraduate and graduate degree (master’s or doctorate) in occupational therapy.
- Pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
- Take continuing education courses in telehealth.
2. Mental Health Occupational Therapist
- Salary: $94,375 (ZipRecruiter)
- Duties: Mental Health Occupational Therapists work specifically with patients suffering from mental health disorders, helping them improve their quality of life and achieve independence.
- Requirements
- Earn an undergraduate and graduate degree (master’s or doctorate) in occupational therapy.
- Pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
- Earn Board Certification in Mental Health (BCMH) from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
3. Geriatric Occupational Therapist
- Salary: $94,375 (ZipRecruiter)
- Duties: Geriatric Occupational Therapists work with elderly patients to help achieve independence and maintain activities of daily living.
- Requirements
- Earn an undergraduate and graduate degree (master’s or doctorate) in occupational therapy.
- Pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
- Earn Board Certification in Gerontology (BCG) offered by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
4. Brain Injury Occupational Therapist
- Salary: $94,375 (ZipRecruiter)
- Duties: Brain injury occupational therapists work with patients who have suffered from a brain injury as a result of an accident or illness. They focus on not only improving physical skills but also cognitive and functional skills.
- Requirements
- Earn an undergraduate and graduate degree (master’s or doctorate) in occupational therapy.
- Pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
- Pass the Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) certification from the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists (ACBIS).
5. Acute Care Occupational Therapist
- Salary: $91,950 (ZipRecruiter)
- Duties: Acute Care Occupational Therapists focus on patients who have suffered from an acute illness or injury. OTs focus on patients maximizing their abilities to carry out their activities of daily living.
- Requirements
- Earn an undergraduate and graduate degree (master’s or doctorate) in occupational therapy.
- Pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
- Earn the AOTA Professional Certificate in Acute Care.
6. Pediatric Occupational Therapist
- Salary: $86,665 (ZipRecruiter)
- Duties: Pediatric OTs provide care and treatment for children to help them achieve their developmental milestones, improve self-care, and learn play and self-regulation skills.
- Requirements
- Earn an undergraduate and graduate degree (master’s or doctorate) in occupational therapy.
- Pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
- Pass the AOTA’s Board Certification in Pediatrics and take continuing education courses.
7. Autism Occupational Therapist
- Salary: $63,943 (ZipRecruiter)
- Duties: Autism occupational therapists focus on working with patients diagnosed with autism of any age. They practice fine and gross motor skills, activities of daily living, social skills and boundaries, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and daily functioning.
- Requirements
- Earn an undergraduate and graduate degree (master’s or doctorate) in occupational therapy.
- Pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
- Take the Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) or the Autism Certificate (AC) exam.
Choosing an Occupational Therapist Program
Are you ready to get a top-paying occupational therapy job? The first step to becoming an occupational therapist is earning an undergraduate degree (consider kinesiology, health science, biology, or another related major) or completing an accredited occupational therapist assistant program.
After your undergrad, you may need to gain experience or complete prerequisite courses before attending a graduate occupational therapy program. Upon graduation, you can take the OT board exam, apply for licensure, and complete any additional requirements to specialize and start earning a top OT salary.
If you’re interested in attending a highly-rated OT school, check out our guide to the top 10 occupational therapy graduate programs.
