Occupational Therapist Jobs

Occupational Therapist jobs: frequently asked questions

Welcome to our Occupational Therapist jobs page. Here’s where you’ll find all our latest Occupational Therapy jobs, as well as answers to commonly asked questions below.

What does an Occupational Therapist do?

An Occupational Therapist provides practical support to help people overcome barriers associated with ageing, illness or accidents that prevent them from living an independent life.

Occupational Therapists can work with younger or older people alike, with physical or learning disabilities. They typically operate within the NHS, although some are employed directly by local government, and others work in the private sector.

It’s a uniquely interesting and challenging role that involves working with a vast array of specialists, in a wide variety of settings and locations.

On a day-to-day basis, typical tasks include helping someone adapting after major surgery, supporting the elderly to adapt in their own homes, advising patients on how to approach a task differently, adapting a working environment, or much more besides.

It’s actually very hard to list typical duties here, because this really is a job where every day is slightly different.

Also, while you may work directly with individuals or families, you’ll also work with other specialists across hospitals and community settings.

How do you become an Occupational Therapist?

To become an Occupational Therapist you’ll need to complete an Occupational Therapy degree. This takes three years full time, or up to six years part time.

If you’re already a relevant, qualified health professional – for example, a Nurse – you may be able to complete a postgraduate course instead, which takes one or two years to complete.

You’ll then need to register with the Health and Care Professionals Councils (HCPC) before you can begin practising.

How much does an Occupational Therapist earn?

According to the latest industry stats, the average annual salary for an Occupational Therapist is between £33,000 and £37,000.

The vast majority of Occupational Therapists work in the NHS, and this pay range represents somewhere in the middle of a Band 6 salary. It also assumes someone with several years of experience.

The starting salary is at Band 5 level – you can see exactly what you’ll earn within each banding here.

Pay within local government is normally set at a very similar level.

In the private sector it’s very difficult to establish an average pay rate. But anecdotally, salaries are a little higher.

Find your next Occupational Therapist job today

View our latest roles above. But if you can’t find what you’re looking for then register your CV here and we’ll send you new jobs as soon as we get them.