Occupational Therapist Work Conditions

Occupational therapists held about 108,800 jobs in 2010. Forty-eight percent of occupational therapists worked in offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologist or hospitals. Others worked in schools, nursing homes, and home health services in 2010:

Hospitals; state, local, and private	27%
Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists	21%
Nursing care facilities	9%
Home health care services	7%
Individual and family services	3%

This topic continues below:

Therapists spend a lot of time on their feet working with patients. They also may be required to lift and move patients or heavy equipment. Many work in multiple facilities and have to travel from one job to another.

Most occupational therapists worked full time in 2010. About 30 percent worked part time. They may work nights or weekends, as needed, to accommodate patients’ schedules.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition