Where occupational therapists work
BLS says occupational therapists work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, and outpatient clinics, and that they stand for long periods and may need to lift or move clients.
Quoted from official pages checked November 10, 2026. Confirm current requirements, fees, and dates on those sites. This page is not legal advice and does not guarantee eligibility, certification, or licensure.
Quoted from the Work Environment and Pay sections of the BLS Occupational Therapists handbook page, checked November 10, 2026.
BLS states: “Occupational therapists held about 169,600 jobs in 2025. Some of the largest employers of occupational therapists were as follows:”
- Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists — 28%
- Hospitals; state, local, and private — 26%
- Educational services; state, local, and private — 13%
- Home healthcare services — 8%
- Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities) — 7%
It states: “Occupational therapists typically work in healthcare settings. Some occupational therapists work in schools. Others travel to clients and work with them in their homes.”
Physical demands
Under Injuries and Illnesses, BLS states: “Occupational therapists have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. They may be required to lift and move clients or heavy equipment, which can cause injuries. To limit the risk of injury, occupational therapists must use proper body mechanics and lifting technique.”
Schedules
BLS states: “Most occupational therapists work full time, but part-time work is common. They may work nights or weekends, as needed, to accommodate clients’ schedules.”
Median pay by work setting
From the Pay section of the same BLS page: “In May 2025, the median annual wages for occupational therapists in some of the top industries in which they worked were as follows:”
- Home healthcare services — $106,300
- Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities) — $105,850
- Hospitals; state, local, and private — $102,820
- Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists — $97,940
- Educational services; state, local, and private — $87,300
These are national medians by industry. BLS publishes state and area wages separately; this site does not copy those tables. All-industry median: $100,330 (see OT pay and outlook).
For school-based practice, the BLS page’s contacts section states: “For information regarding the requirements for practice as an occupational therapist in schools, contact state occupational therapy regulatory agencies.” Start from the state and territory directory.
These are national BLS figures. Rules about where and how you may practice come from the jurisdiction board, not from BLS. Confirm current figures on the official BLS page.