CAREER GUIDE

Transform Lives as an Occupational Therapist

Learn how to craft a standout resume, master in-demand skills, and advance your OT career.

Understand salary trends across key markets
Identify high‑impact specializations and industries
Access ready‑to‑use resume bullet points and power words
Average Salary (US)
$84,000
Annual median salary
Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16% growth for occupational therapists from 2022‑2032, driven by an aging population and increased focus on outpatient rehabilitation.
Education Required
A master's degree in Occupational Therapy (MOT) or a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) plus state licensure.

Salary Growth Trajectory

Expected earnings progression over your career

010203040$40k$60k$80k$100k$120kYears of Experience
United States
$84,000
Canada
CA$78,000
United Kingdom
£38,000
Australia
AU$85,000
Germany
€45,000
India
₹6,00,000

Career Progression Paths

Multiple routes to advance your occupational therapist career

Path 1
1
Entry‑Level OT (Staff Therapist)
2
Senior OT
3
Clinical Lead
4
Director of Rehabilitation Services

Essential Skills

Technical and soft skills to highlight on your resume

Must‑Have Skills
Patient AssessmentTreatment PlanningTherapeutic InterventionFunctional Mobility TrainingAdaptive Equipment RecommendationInterdisciplinary CollaborationOutcome MeasurementDocumentation Compliance
Nice‑to‑Have Skills
Telehealth DeliveryProgram DevelopmentResearch MethodologyGrant WritingQuality ImprovementCultural CompetencyLeadership CoachingData Analytics
Common Job Titles
Occupational Therapist
Senior Occupational Therapist
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Geriatric Occupational Therapist
Hand Therapist
Rehabilitation Manager
Clinical Coordinator
OT Assistant
Director of Therapy Services
Occupational Therapy Consultant

Resume Impact Examples

Transform generic statements into powerful achievements

Patient Mobility
Problem

Patient could not walk without a walker.

Solution

Patient ambulated independently for 200 feet.

Problem

Limited range of motion in the shoulder.

Solution

Full active shoulder flexion achieved.

Problem

Frequent falls during transfers.

Solution

Zero falls reported over six months.

Problem

Dependent on caregivers for toileting.

Solution

Performed toileting tasks with minimal assistance.

Problem

Unable to climb stairs.

Solution

Climbed a flight of stairs safely with a rail.

Project Examples

Real‑world initiatives that demonstrate impact

Community Hand Therapy Outreach
12 mo
Situation
Rural area lacked specialized hand therapy services.
Action
Developed a mobile clinic schedule and partnered with local hospitals.
Result
Provided 150+ hand therapy sessions, reducing surgical referrals by 30%.
150+ patients served30% reduction in surgeries95% patient satisfaction
School Sensory Integration Program
9 mo
Situation
Students with sensory processing challenges struggled academically.
Action
Implemented sensory-friendly classrooms and teacher training.
Result
Improved classroom engagement scores by 22% across participating schools.
22% engagement increase10 schools involved80% teacher confidence boost

Copy‑Ready Resume Bullets

Ready‑to‑use achievement statements organized by category

  • Conducted comprehensive occupational assessments for over 200 patients annually.
  • Utilized standardized tools such as the AM-PAC and COPM to set measurable goals.
  • Identified functional deficits through home and workplace evaluations.
  • Documented findings in electronic health records with 100% compliance.
  • Collaborated with physicians to refine diagnosis‑specific treatment plans.
  • Performed sensory processing screenings for pediatric clients.
  • Analyzed gait and balance data to inform mobility interventions.
  • Provided evidence‑based recommendations for adaptive equipment.
Key Certifications
  • Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)
  • National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
  • Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)
  • Certified Pediatric Occupational Therapist (CPOT)
  • Telehealth OT Certification
  • Advanced Geriatric OT Certification
Career Transitions
  • Physical Therapist → Occupational Therapist
  • Rehabilitation Assistant → Occupational Therapist
  • Special Education Teacher → Occupational Therapist
  • Veteran Services Coordinator → Occupational Therapist
  • Ergonomics Consultant → Occupational Therapist

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