Occupational Therapy (OT) Degree: Careers & Outcomes
Occupational therapists help individuals develop, recover, or maintain the daily living and work skills they need. Entry-level OT practice now requires either a Master's (MOT) or Doctorate (OTD). The field offers strong job security, meaningful work, and multiple practice settings — including schools, hospitals, home health, and private practice.
Top careers for Occupational Therapy graduates
Where does your Occupational Therapy degree take you?
PathPilot analyzes your full experience — not just your degree — and surfaces the 10 career paths where you're most competitive right now.
Top skills you'll develop
Frequently asked questions
How much do occupational therapists make?
OTs earn a median of $96K (BLS 2024). Hand therapists with CHT (Certified Hand Therapist) certification earn $100–130K. School-based OTs are among the most sought, earning $65–85K with excellent school schedules.
OT vs. PT — which has better job prospects?
Both have strong job markets (27–28% growth projected through 2032). PT is slightly more common and versatile across settings; OT has strong niches in pediatrics, mental health, and school settings. Salary ranges are similar.
What is the CHT and how does it increase OT salary?
CHT (Certified Hand Therapist) is a specialty certification requiring either an OTR or PT license plus 3 years of practice and 4,000 hours of hand therapy experience. CHTs command a $10–20K salary premium and often work in orthopedic or rehabilitation clinic settings.
Can occupational therapists work in schools?
Yes — school-based OT is one of the most desirable practice settings. School OTs work a school-year schedule, earn comparable salaries to clinical settings, and work primarily with children with developmental needs.