How to Become a Occupational Therapist in 2026
Help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working after injury, illness, or disability.
$70,000 – $110,000+
Salary Range
14% growth projected
Growth Outlook
8 Key Skills
To Master
Skills You Need
Career Path & Growth
Occupational therapists earn a median salary of $93,180 according to the BLS, with those working in home health services and outpatient care among the highest earners. A master's degree in occupational therapy (MOT or OTD) from an ACOTE-accredited program is required, and all states require licensure. Pediatric OT, particularly for children with autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing challenges, has become one of the fastest-growing specialties as early intervention awareness increases.
The path to becoming a Occupational Therapist typically starts with building foundational skills through education and hands-on projects. As you gain experience, you can specialize in specific areas, take on leadership roles, or transition into adjacent fields.
Growth outlook: 14% growth projected, driven by aging population and rehabilitation demand. This means strong job security and expanding opportunities for qualified professionals in this field.
Salary range: $70,000 – $110,000+. Compensation varies based on experience level, geographic location, company size, and specialization within the field.
Interview Tips for Occupational Therapist Roles
Know the fundamentals
Be prepared to demonstrate deep knowledge of Patient Assessment, Therapeutic Activities, Adaptive Equipment. Interviewers will test your core competencies.
Show real-world impact
Prepare specific examples of projects where you drove measurable results. Use the STAR method to structure your answers.
Research the company
Understand the company's products, challenges, and culture. Tailor your answers to show how your skills solve their specific problems.
Practice with AI
Use AI interview prep tools to practice Occupational Therapist-specific questions. Get instant feedback on your answers and improve your delivery.
How Superlore Helps You Land the Job
Superlore's AI-powered tools are designed to give you an edge at every stage of your Occupational Therapist job search.
Who This Career Fits Best
You enjoy work built around Patient Assessment and Therapeutic Activities.
You want a role with 14% growth projected, driven by aging population and rehabilitation demand and room to specialize over time.
You like turning strong Adaptive Equipment and Rehabilitation Planning into measurable career leverage.
What to Do Next If You Want This Role
Read 3 recent Occupational Therapist job descriptions and note the most repeated requirements.
Create one proof-of-work example that demonstrates Patient Assessment and Therapeutic Activities.
Practice explaining why you want a Occupational Therapist role in business-impact terms, not just task terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Occupational Therapist do?
Help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working after injury, illness, or disability.
How much does a Occupational Therapist make?
The typical salary range for a Occupational Therapist is $70,000 – $110,000+, depending on experience, location, and company size.
What skills do I need to become a Occupational Therapist?
Key skills include: Patient Assessment, Therapeutic Activities, Adaptive Equipment, Rehabilitation Planning, Pediatric Therapy, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Ergonomic Assessment, Clinical Documentation. Building proficiency in these areas through coursework, projects, and practice is essential.
What is the job outlook for Occupational Therapists?
14% growth projected, driven by aging population and rehabilitation demand
How can AI tools help me land a Occupational Therapist role?
AI-powered tools like Superlore's Job Hunter can help you discover Occupational Therapist openings, tailor your resume with AI Resume Builder, practice interviews with AI Interview Prep, and craft compelling cover letters — all optimized for your target role.
Ready to Start Your Occupational Therapist Career?
Let Superlore's AI-powered tools help you land your dream role faster.