Occupational therapy is one of the faster-growing health careers. BLS projects OT employment to grow 15% and OTA employment 21% from 2025 to 2035, against 3% for all occupations, with about 10,000 OT openings each year.
169,600OT jobs (2025)
+15%OT growth 2025–35
+25,200new OT jobs projected
+21%OTA growth 2025–35
Why demand is growing
BLS points to the growing older adult population, who are more likely to need help keeping their independence in daily activities, and to continued use of OT for conditions such as stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral palsy and autism.
Where occupational therapists work
| Setting | Share of OT jobs | Median OT pay |
|---|---|---|
| Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists | 28% | $97,940 |
| Hospitals (state, local, and private) | 26% | $102,820 |
| Educational services (state, local, and private) | 13% | $87,300 |
| Home healthcare services | 8% | $106,300 |
| Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities) | 7% | $105,850 |
Where OT assistants work
| Setting | Share of OTA jobs | Median OTA pay |
|---|---|---|
| Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists | 39% | $70,740 |
| Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities) | 19% | $76,780 |
| Hospitals (state, local, and private) | 17% | $67,020 |
| Educational services (state, local, and private) | 7% | $60,920 |
| Home healthcare services | 7% | $77,310 |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, occupational therapists and OT assistants and aides, checked October 9, 2026.
OT salary by state · OTA salary by state · How to become an OT