If you are thinking about becoming an occupational therapist, you may be wondering how much money you can expect to make. The average salary for an occupational therapist is $75,000 per year. However, this number can vary depending on your experience and location. In this blog post, we will discuss the average salary of an occupational therapist in more detail. We will also discuss factors that can affect your salary potential. So, if you are interested in learning more about occupational therapy salaries, keep reading!
What Factors Influence the Salary of an Occupational Therapist?
Some of the main factors that influence the salary of an occupational therapist are experience, education, location, and type of employer.
1. Experience and Education
Experience is one of the most important factors in determining salary. Generally, the more experience an occupational therapist has, the higher their salary will be. Education is also a key factor in salary determination. Those who have higher levels of education (such as a master’s degree) tend to earn more than those with lower levels of education (such as a bachelor’s degree).
2. Location and Type of Employment
Location can also play a role in how much an occupational therapist earns. Those who practice in rural areas may earn less than those who practice in urban areas. This is because there is often more demand for occupational therapists in urban areas. Finally, the type of employer can also affect salary. Those who work in hospitals or other medical settings may earn more than those who work in private practice.
All of these factors should be considered when determining the salary of an occupational therapist. Experience, education, location, and type of employer all play a role in how much an occupational therapist earns. By taking all of these factors into account, you can get a better idea of what to expect when it comes to salary.
How Can Occupational Therapists Increase Their Salary?
One of the most common questions we get from occupational therapists is how they can increase their salary. The answer, unfortunately, is not always simple or straightforward. However, there are a few things that OTs can do to give themselves a raise. Here are a few tips:
1. Working in a higher paying setting:
One way to make more money as an occupational therapist is to work in a setting that pays better than others. This could include working in a hospital, private practice, or research position.
2. Picking up extra shifts or taking on more patients:
Another way to make more money as an occupational therapist is to simply see more patients. This could involve picking up extra shifts at work or taking on more patients than usual.
3. Getting certified in a specialty area:
Many times, therapists who are certified in a specialty area (such as pediatrics or geriatrics) can earn a higher salary. This is because they have extra training and knowledge in a specific area of Occupational Therapy. There are many ways occupational therapists can become specialised in a certan niche. Among them, the most convenient way is to register for online OTA programs
4. Working in a different state:
Some states actually pay occupational therapists more than others. So, if you are willing to relocate, this could be a way to increase your salary.
5. Asking for a raise:
Of course, one of the most direct ways to make more money as an occupational therapist is to simply ask your boss for a raise. If you feel like you deserve it, don’t be afraid to speak up!
We hope these tips were helpful! If you have any other questions about occupational therapy or increasing your salary.
In the end we can summarise and say that, OTs are in high demand and their salary reflects that. With a median annual wage of over $75,000, OTs enjoy a comfortable living. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the field will grow by 28 percent in the next decade, making occupational therapy one of the fastest-growing professions in the country.
If you’re looking for a career with stability and room for growth, occupational therapy may be right for you. We hope this article has helped to give you a better understanding of what to expect as an OT and how much they make on average. Are you ready to take your first step into this rewarding profession?
