Occupational therapy growth rate statistics
The occupational therapy growth rate indicates strong and consistent expansion in the field. Employment of occupational therapists is projected to increase by 11% from 2023 to 2033, significantly faster than the average growth for all occupations (4%) (Bureau of Labor Statistics & U.S. Department of Labor, 2025). This impressive job growth reflects rising demand for occupational therapy practitioners in diverse settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health care services, and secondary schools.
The growing population of older adults and individuals with chronic conditions or long-term disabilities necessitates more specialized care, prompting many healthcare settings to expand their OT services. Moreover, as patients increasingly seek personalized care to manage their daily lives and enhance independence in daily activities, employment opportunities for occupational therapists and assistants will continue to rise.
Moreover, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that the median annual wage for occupational therapists was approximately $98,340 in May 2024, with wages varying based on clinical experience, geographic region, and employment sector.
Why is the occupational therapy field growing?
The occupational therapy growth rate is being driven by several key factors that reflect evolving healthcare demands.
Aging population and chronic conditions
The increasing number of older adults and those with chronic illnesses is driving a greater need for occupational therapists in skilled nursing facilities, home health care services, and hospitals (Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on the Future Health Care Workforce for Older Americans, 2008). These specialists assist patients to regain independence in daily tasks and manage long-term disability.
Expanding roles and certification standards
Occupational therapy practitioners currently operate in a variety of venues, including secondary schools and medical offices, which increases job prospects. Higher education requirements, such as a graduate degree and state licensure, as well as passing the national board exam, guarantee high-quality treatment and employment readiness.
Holistic and skill-based care
The focus on improving patients' daily lives, social skills, and interpersonal skills makes OT essential across health systems. With strong job growth and competitive median annual wages, the occupational therapist job outlook remains bright.
The future of occupational therapy
The occupational therapy program growth rate points to a strong future with expanding roles, higher demand, and greater opportunities for healthcare professionals. Here's the future of OT:
Increased demand in healthcare
The rising number of older persons and patients with chronic diseases is driving up the demand for occupational therapists in skilled nursing facilities, home health care agencies, and medical offices. As more people require assistance with daily activities and long-term disability, the demand for occupational therapists will increase.
Broader collaboration and responsibilities
Most occupational therapists are becoming key members of interprofessional teams, working alongside speech therapists and doctors to improve outcomes. Their strong interpersonal skills and tailored treatment plans help patients regain independence and improve their daily lives.
Advancing education and credentials
Future occupational therapy students with an undergraduate degree will pursue graduate degrees, usually a master’s degree or doctoral degree. To become certified, students must complete a rigorous education through a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), finish supervised fieldwork, pass the national certification examination, and obtain state licensure.
Competitive wages and career growth
With strong job growth, the median annual wage for occupational therapists remains above the national average, especially in high-demand states. The field offers long-term stability and the chance to make a meaningful impact in health care.
Conclusion
The strong occupational therapy growth rate shows how more people are turning to occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants for support in places like skilled nursing facilities, home health care services, and medical offices. With steady job growth, opportunities in high-demand states, occupational therapist salary and competitive pay, the field continues to offer long-term stability and career potential.
Backed by organizations like the American Occupational Therapy Association, the profession upholds high standards in occupational therapy education, certification, and ongoing development, ensuring that occupational therapy practitioners are equipped to support patients in improving their daily lives across a wide range of health care settings.
As the number of patients needing help with daily living increases, especially older adults and those with chronic conditions, occupational therapists play a key role in improving daily tasks, treatment plans, and social skills.
Whether focusing on physical rehabilitation, clinical practice, or specialized areas, occupational therapists work to improve their skills and pursue continuing education coursework will find long-term success in this important and growing health care field.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics, & U.S. Department of Labor. (2025, April 18). Occupational therapists: Occupational outlook handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm
Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on the Future Health Care Workforce for Older Americans. (2008). Health status and health care service utilization. National Library of Medicine; National Academies Press (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK215400/
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