Occupational Therapist Salary – Occupational Therapists Salary
While it may sound rather similar to a physical therapist, the job of an occupational therapist is a lot different. What an occupational therapist does is primarily focus on the provision of support and rehabilitation for people needing assistance because of an injury or disability. The purpose is not merely to help patients become better but to become instrumental in their ability to enhance their way of life.
To become an occupational therapist, a bachelor’s degree should be obtained. This is not a simple certificate course. There are field trainings and licensing examinations that have to be completed and passed to be qualified to practice the profession. As of late, it has been observed that the demand for this career is increasing.
In terms of salary, the occupational therapist salary estimates depends on a variety of factors. Other than the location or state and extensiveness of experience, salaries for this career rely on the particular health sector that they are employed in.
On the average, as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the occupational therapist salary is estimated to be within the $65,000 to $68,000 range. Those belonging to the upper bracket could reach up to about $98,500 while those on the lower end could possibly rake in $43,000.
Occupational therapists may practice their profession in several sectors, which could be any of the following: hospitals, schools, retirement homes and mental health institutes. They could even be part of the private practice and home health services.
As stated above, the figures for an occupational therapist salary would depend on the determining factor reiterated, which is the health sector:
1. Home care. Those practicing the profession through home health care services are deemed as the most well paid occupational therapists. It is estimated that the occupational therapist salary in this particular sector could allow them to earn as much as $75,000 annually.
2. Nursing homes. For those practicing in nursing and retirement institutes, they could receive as much as $70,000 to $72,000.
3. Schools. The occupational therapist salary in school districts might be less than $60,000 on an annual basis. But these figures have the possibility to increase in time. The Health Care Bill is one big factor in giving this profession a chance to demand more income.
The occupational setting depends upon the therapist’s choice. Therapists could be assigned in a hospital setting to care for the permanently injured or disabled. There are those who would attest that this is the most satisfying among other settings because it allows them not just to help within the scope of their practice, but to give their patients the opportunity to further their ways of living by becoming well.
And then there are some who would focus their practice on the young, say, children having problems with their development or special children. The fact that children are the subject makes this alternative one among the most stressful environments. And these choices are factors in an occupational therapist salary.
With the demand attached to this profession, the above noted figures have a great possibility to increase. If this is the career path that you would like to set foot in, it could well be enough as means to support your subsistence.
