Occupational Therapy Professionals: Education and Salary[edit]

Certified Occupational Therapists typically hold Masters or Doctoral degrees in Occupational Therapy from an ACOTE accredited institution. To practice in the United States, occupational therapists must receive a master's degree and pass a licensing examination to become certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.

The average wages of a permanent occupational therapist in the United States are approximately $76,400/year.[71] Traveling occupational therapists may have higher wages (approximately $113,600/year).[72] They also enjoy benefits such as free housing, health/medical insurance, travel reimbursement, loyalty bonuses, and a 401k plan [reference needed]. Most commonly (43%), travel occupational therapists enter the industry between the ages of 21-30.[72] The average annual income for occupational therapy assistants as of 2009 was $50,840. The middle 50% earned between $41,200 and $59,890. Salaries for the lowest 10% were around $33,350, while the highest 10% earned approximately $68,450, with top pay upwards of $105,000.[73]