Average Occupational Therapist (OT) Hourly Pay

An occupational therapist helps people gain better functioning of their bodies so that daily activities can be performed better. The occupational therapist will perform an evaluation of a patient’s abilities. Then goals can be planned, according to the needs and wants of the client and the client’s family. The goals may be modified over time, according to the patient’s progress. It is important to evaluate each patient differently and to provide continuous progress evaluations.

The occupational therapist will help the client to carry out activities to strengthen the body and gain coordination. Carrying out some of these activities may involve assisting the client with mobility. It is also necessary to stand and walk for long periods of time during the shift and to maneuver in ways that involve bending and stooping. Therefore, strong physical ability is required for this job. All activities should be carried out according to company policies and applicable laws. The therapist may work with the client’s medical providers, in order to gain an understanding of the patient’s medical history, ailments, and abilities. This job may also involve working with other occupational therapists and assistants.

Usually, graduation from an occupational therapy program is necessary. Often, a bachelor’s degree in occupational or physical therapy is needed. Experience may be needed, which can be gained from internships or previous employment. The duties of this job may be carried out in a clinical environment or the patient’s residence, such as a house, an apartment, or a nursing home. (Copyright 2018 PayScale.com)

Occupational Therapist (OT) Tasks

• Help clients improve decision making, abstract reasoning, memory, sequencing, coordination and perceptual skills using computer programs
• Consult with rehabilitation team to select activity programs and coordinate with other therapeutic activities
• Test and evaluate patients' physical and mental abilities and analyze medical data to determine rehabilitation goals for patient.
• Record prognosis, treatment, response and progress in patient's chart or computer database.
• Consult with rehabilitation team to select activity programs and coordinate with other therapeutic activities.

For Occupational Therapists, busy San Francisco offers a higher-than-average pay rate, 23 percent above the national average. Occupational Therapists can also look forward to large paychecks in cities like Seattle (+10 percent), Dallas (+6 percent), Miami (+4 percent), and Los Angeles (+3 percent). St. Louis ranks last in the field for pay, reporting salaries 20 percent below the national average. Baltimore and Milwaukee are a couple other places where companies are known to pay below the median — salaries are 16 percent lower and 14 percent lower, respectively.