Occupational Therapist
Help people recover or adapt the daily activities they need or want to do after illness, injury or disability.
This UK occupational therapist career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £28,000 - £35,000
- Mid-career salary
- £37,000 - £48,000
- Senior salary
- £50,000 - £70,000+
- Work environment
- Hospital, community, care home, school
- Time to entry
- 3 - 4 years
- Degree required
- Yes (HCPC-approved OT degree)
- Category
- Healthcare and Care
What a Occupational Therapist does
Help people recover or adapt the daily activities they need or want to do after illness, injury or disability.
How to become a Occupational Therapist
- Look up Occupational Therapist roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Occupational Therapist - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Assessment
- Communication
- Problem solving
- Patience
- Goal setting