Occupational Therapist
Help people develop or regain the skills they need for everyday activities, independence and participation in life.
What They Do
Occupational Therapists help people participate more independently in everyday activities following illness, injury, disability or developmental challenges.
They assess a person's abilities and environment, develop therapy programs and recommend practical changes or assistive equipment. Depending on the client, this might involve helping a child develop motor skills, supporting rehabilitation after an injury, adapting someone's home or helping a person return to work.
Who This Career Suits
Occupational therapy suits people who enjoy healthcare but also like practical problem solving and working closely with people.
It requires patience, empathy and strong communication skills alongside the ability to assess problems and develop practical solutions. It can particularly suit someone interested in how people's physical abilities, environment and everyday activities interact.
Key Skills
Communication, Compassion & Empathy, Problem Solving, Clinical Judgement, Patient Care, Attention to Detail, Adaptability, Teamwork
Work Environment
Healthcare Facility, Community, Hospital, Clinic, School
Education & Training
Becoming an Occupational Therapist in Australia generally requires completing an approved university qualification in occupational therapy and meeting the professional registration requirements applicable to the occupation.
University study combines health sciences and occupational-therapy practice with supervised clinical placements across relevant healthcare and community settings.
Career Changer Pathway
People with backgrounds in healthcare, education, disability support, community services or rehabilitation may find that some of their existing experience transfers well to occupational therapy.
However, it is a professionally qualified healthcare career, so career changers generally need to complete an approved occupational-therapy qualification rather than entering solely through work experience.
Early Career
Graduate Occupational Therapists develop assessment and treatment skills while working with clients under the guidance of experienced practitioners.
They may rotate through different areas of practice before deciding whether to specialise.
Mid Career
Experienced Occupational Therapists can manage more complex clients and specialise in areas such as paediatrics, disability, rehabilitation, mental health, aged care, workplace rehabilitation or assistive technology.
They may also supervise junior therapists and students.
Senior / Veteran Career
Senior Occupational Therapists may become clinical specialists, team leaders, rehabilitation managers or service managers.
Experienced practitioners can also establish private practices, work as consultants, move into research or education, or lead multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
Salary Guide
Early Career
75000
Mid Career
100000
Senior / Veteran
125000
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Salary data source:
Jobs and Skills Australia / ABS
Salary data source URL:
Date :
2 October 2026 at 12:00:00 am
Career Outlook
Occupational therapy is a growing allied-health profession. JSA's February 2026 data records approximately 35,600 employed Occupational Therapists and annual employment growth of 3,000. Health Care and Social Assistance is the occupation's major employing industry.
Job Outlook :
Outlook Source :
Strong
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