Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.

About half of occupational therapists work in offices of occupational therapy or in hospitals. Others work in schools, nursing homes, and home health services. Therapists spend a lot of time on their feet while working with patients.

Occupational therapists typically have a master's degree in occupational therapy. All states require occupational therapists to be licensed.

The median annual wage for occupational therapists was $80,150 in May 2015.

Employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 27 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Occupational therapy will continue to be an important part of treatment for people with various illnesses and disabilities, such as Alzheimer's disease, cerebral palsy, autism, or the loss of a limb.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for occupational therapists.

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of occupational therapists with similar occupations.

Learn more about occupational therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.