Occupational therapist | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Occupational therapists help people overcome difficulties caused by physical or mental illness, disability, accidents or ageing.

  • Complete and maintain necessary records.
  • Test and evaluate patients' physical and mental abilities and analyze medical data to determine realistic rehabilitation goals for patients.
  • Train caregivers in providing for the needs of a patient during and after therapy.
  • Evaluate patients' progress and prepare reports that detail progress.
  • Plan, organize, and
Read more about Occupational therapist

Occupational therapists typically work around 35 to 40 hours per week.

As a Occupational therapist you will typically work 9am to 5pm.

This occupation tends to be:

  • Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
  • Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical,
Read more about Occupational therapist
* from ONETonline
Average salary
33,410 GBP *
per year
24,214 GBP
43,772 GBP
Starting
5+ Experience
* data taken from the Office of National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
Average salary for Occupational therapist

  • 33,280 GBP
  • 33,436 GBP
Average salary for part-time Occupational therapist
Average salary for full-time Occupational therapist

Showing:
  • 21,950 GBP
  • 21,950 GBP
  • 33,410 GBP
  • 33,436 GBP
  • 33,280 GBP
Salary over time for Occupational therapist

Salary for this role has increased over time
  • 30,609 GBP
  • 30,855 GBP
  • 30,796 GBP
  • 31,665 GBP
  • 31,142 GBP
  • 31,580 GBP
  • 33,410 GBP
  • 33,440 GBP
  • 34,194 GBP
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Future outlook for Occupational therapists

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Very good outlook
32 000+ jobs available
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Balanced outlook
1% yearly wage growth (on average)
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Very good outlook
21% chance of automation in the future

Occupational therapist - Your future job?


Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Occupational therapist and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

  • 92% of people in this role have a Bachelor's degree
  • 4% of people in this role have GCSEs or equivalent
  • 1% of people in this role have a post-secondary qualification such as a Higher National Diploma

You'll need:

  • knowledge of psychology
  • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Occupational therapist

Workplace Safety Management

Things to highlight for your Occupational therapist interview

Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Adaptability/Flexibility Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. Stress Tolerance Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

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