Occupational therapists held about 114,600 jobs in 2014. The industries that employed the most occupational therapists were as follows:
Hospitals; state, local, and private
27%
Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists
24
Elementary and secondary schools; state, local, and private
12
Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities)
9
Home healthcare services
9
Therapists may spend a lot of time on their feet while 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.
Work Schedules
Most occupational therapists worked full time in 2014. About 1 out of 4 worked part time. They may work nights or weekends, as needed, to accommodate patients' schedules.