Show me the money...

What are typical occupational therapist salaries? Do some companies pay a lot more for this position than others? What does a top earner make in this field?

What skills should you learn to increase your salary?

Host said: What are typical occupational therapist salaries? Do some companies pay a lot more for this position than others? What does a top earner make in this field?

What skills should you learn to increase your salary?

Hand Therapy big bucks

OT salaries in So Cal (LA metro area) are as low as $30k (usually non-profits) and as high as $85k (usually snfs)--btw these are new grad figures.

Usually depends on the site.

private hospitals and pediatric clinics tend to payt he least
(just above non-profits, but non-profits never pay well for any position)

snf and registry positions seem to pay the best (but this also depends on how well u can negotiate)

Hand therapy does not necessarily pay big bucks...but in general, most physical disability related advanced certification will get u more money.

I have known people who have made 82,0000 to 100,000 their first year out of school working per diem...HOme care can get you to six digits easily

Host said: What are typical occupational therapist salaries? Do some companies pay a lot more for this position than others? What does a top earner make in this field?

What skills should you learn to increase your salary?

for otr or cota sharpening your skills and trying various settings
selling yourself and going where there is most need
I have experience in both snf and pediatrics (school and home setting)

Per diem can definately make you tons of dough, however to make six figures you have to be willing to put in the hours (60-70+ per week) If youre cool with that, than go for it. However, i should mention going per diem right out the gate wouldn't be the best choice for a new grad. Solid mentorship is golden these days.

Soon to be OTR in Phoenix, AZ:

I don't think you need to put in that many hours to make 6 figures.

I graduated last year and I make that much working a regular 40 hour work week. I'm 1099-Independent contractor, but I can write-off practically everything. Making money is not hard, it's finding a place that you're happy, appreciated, and not placed in ethically questionable situations that is the difficult part. I agree, solid mentorship IS 'golden'. But sadly, most of the positions with good training don't offer the kind of $$$ that a recent grad needs. Therein lies the trade-off. Right now, the money is good but I can't say that I'm developing my clinical skills. Unfortunately, everyday I'm faced with Program Directors and owners that try to get me to commit fraud, risk my license, and pretty much go against every rule we were taught about professional ethics in school. Mo money--mo problems.

Q: for pasedena

Are you really put into ethical decisions everyday? How do you cope with that? What would you recommend to someone like me who is about to embark on the world of OT?
I'm totally for the trade off with less $$ as long as I get the skills. Hopefully I can get the best of both worlds! : )
What would you recommend to make sure I find solid mentorship and just not thrown to the wolves on the first day. I appreciate any feedback.

Thanks

Soon to be OTR,

Lemme be a little less dramatic. There are definitely places where you can get paid a decent wage and still get good mentorship and not be placed in ethically questionable situations.

However, in many, and I mean MANY locations (particularly the better paid settings like: SNF, Home health, etc) many times the companies that are contracted to handle rehab are required to meet a minimun quota of billable hours. Oftentimes, the solution to meet said quota is to fudge the amount of time spent with Pts. Unfortunatley this is often the only way b/c Medicare does not pay for non-therapeutic time spent (i.e., documentation).

To find solid mentorship, I would pay great attention to detail during the interview process. Also, if you're given an offer at a facility, ask to shadow for a couple of days when the recruiter/area manager/etc isn't on-site before you make a decision. That way you can ask the therapists what they really think as well as observe. If they say no and try to put you to a quick decision, then they really don't give a rat's u know what about quality of Pt care or about protecting u or ur license.

Also Interviewing at a former fieldwork (yours, or a classmate's) site that you know has a good reputation is always a good way to go.

As far as what I'm doing to deal with my situation, I end up fighting with the owners and/or program directors all the time. But I pretty much do what I want b/c I speak the language of the participants at the center and they know that it's hard to find OTs who speak that language. Bottom line--PROTECT YOURSELF! Nobody is gonna do that for you. If you lose your license, it's a huge waste of time, $$$, and emotion. Trust me, it does happen. Look at the OTPractice magazine every month. There's a list of OTs who have suspended or terminated licenses. Don't be one of them. I guarantee, it's b/c they were caught documenting they were doing something that they really weren't.

Would it be wise to after I get my Occupational Therapy degree under belt and debts payed off to go back to school and get a degree in physical therapy as well? I'm thinking about it because they go hand in hand. Will I make the wrong choice in doing so and just waste my money or will it be wise?

Actually from Pasadena, CA in Los Angeles, California said: Soon to be OTR in Phoenix, AZ:

I don't think you need to put in that many hours to make 6 figures.

I graduated last year and I make that much working a regular 40 hour work week. I'm 1099-Independent contractor, but I can write-off practically everything. Making money is not hard, it's finding a place that you're happy, appreciated, and not placed in ethically questionable situations that is the difficult part. I agree, solid mentorship IS 'golden'. But sadly, most of the positions with good training don't offer the kind of $$$ that a recent grad needs. Therein lies the trade-off. Right now, the money is good but I can't say that I'm developing my clinical skills. Unfortunately, everyday I'm faced with Program Directors and owners that try to get me to commit fraud, risk my license, and pretty much go against every rule we were taught about professional ethics in school. Mo money--mo problems.

I'm looking to become an independent contractor, any advice on how to get started? How do you know what to charge? Where to find the actually forms/written agreement for employers? I currently work in the AZ school district and want to continue in the educational setting as an independent. Ay advice or helpful tips would be greatly appreciated.

Kalan,
If you are a guy, I would choose PT over OT. I hate my job. I work in acute care and it sucks. I'm so envious of the PT's. I'm into lifting weights and showing people how to exercise, not toileting and bathing other dudes! I'm so depressed about my career choice. I'm stuck paying off school debt.

OTDude in Columbus, Ohio said: Kalan,
If you are a guy, I would choose PT over OT. I hate my job. I work in acute care and it sucks. I'm so envious of the PT's. I'm into lifting weights and showing people how to exercise, not toileting and bathing other dudes! I'm so depressed about my career choice. I'm stuck paying off school debt.

Wow, that sucks that you're so depressed! Do you think that it's the setting that's a bad fit for you? I heard acute care and SNF are the most stressful for OT's.

I know this sounds like a stupid question, but I'm just learning about this profession. What exactly is it that you do when you have to shower and toilet patients? I mean, are you literally giving them sponge baths and wiping bottoms like a nurse would? I always thought that was the domain of nurses. How much of this, let's say, more "intrusive" activity do you have to do? Or are you more of a coach, telling them how to do it themselves?

yeah seriously you shouldn't have to do bathing and toileting ??? now I'm confused what exactly do an occupational therapist do???/ please answer? Is it a rewarding career?

rk in Sacramento, California said: yeah seriously you shouldn't have to do bathing and toileting ??? now I'm confused what exactly do an occupational therapist do???/ please answer? Is it a rewarding career?

You do bathing and toileting everyday. answer to second question is no way no how absolutely not rewarding.

You don't necessarily do bathing and toileting everyday. Hand therapists and school-based OTs never do bathing and toileting, for example. Many therapists love their job and find it very rewarding, others don't and probably should have gone into another field. Like any job/career, some people enjoy the work while others don't. It depends on your personal interests.

I think anoldot works with nurses and was tricked into bathing and toileting the patients by the nurses. For someone with experience in the field that is a pretty naive answer. An OT can go many directions as far as what to focus on, why you choose to keep doing the kind of work you do and hate it is inexplicable.

anant in Berkeley, California said: I think anoldot works with nurses and was tricked into bathing and toileting the patients by the nurses. For someone with experience in the field that is a pretty naive answer. An OT can go many directions as far as what to focus on, why you choose to keep doing the kind of work you do and hate it is inexplicable.

Not. That is the major part of the job. That is what you write daily notes about everyday. That is what every OT in SNfs do daily. No one likes it but you have to do it if you work this field. Sorry. 90% of OT jobs are in SNFs these days. That is reality.

Actually, it really shouldn't be that hard to find a job that is not in a SNF. There are plenty of positions open in acute care and schools. A friend of mine just graduated and got a job working in the schools. If you don't want to work in a SNF, you don't have to.

I have been an OT for over 20 years. I have worked in SNF,Hand Therapy,Rehab Centers ETC. I onced wiped a butt while I was a student and my supervisor freaked out at the nurses. When it comes to toileting and bathing OTs assess a persons function and provide training and adaptive equipment so people can perform their activities of daily living. If a person can not even reach back to clean themselves chances are they would not be a canidate for a toileting eval. That being said you may have to do this in an emergent type situation but it is not the usual job of an ot. It would be more the job of a nursing assistant. However when you work in a hospital or SNF it may happen to you., For me once in 20 years.

Actually in Pasadena in Los Angeles, California said: Soon to be OTR,

So well said. I was naive taking my first job out of school. I didn't ask the right questions or push for answers. They were too eager to hire me and I eventually found myself in unethically situations. Your advice is so dead on. Ask the right questions and shadow the employees. I defiantly learned my lesson!!!!

SNF's pay the best. I live in a pretty rural area. I just interviewed for a SNF last week. They offered be a salary of 70,000. Now with that being said I am currently working in outpatient only making 55,000. So you can see the difference. I also work prn doing acute/subacute at $45 an hr.

SNF's pay the best. I live in a pretty rural area. I just interviewed for a SNF last week. They offered be a salary of 70,000. Now with that being said I am currently working in outpatient only making 55,000. So you can see the difference. I also work prn doing acute/subacute at $45 an hr.

Guys, I want to start a doctoral degree in occupational therapy next year. After the doctoral degree, what do you think would be my fate working in any setting, whether SNF's, hospitals, name it; though, I already have a BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences?

You're fate will be to pass your NBCOT test and become an OT in any setting lol. There really is no benefit to getting a Ph.D unless you want to teach. And a OTD COULD help with a private practice, but you really don't need it. So its good if that is something you want to accomplish but for the workplace it really won't put you above someone with a masters.

Which area of specialization in occupational therapy do you think is easier -- pediatric or geriatic? Which state pays occupational therapist the best?

OTDude in Columbus, Ohio said: Kalan,
If you are a guy, I would choose PT over OT. I hate my job. I work in acute care and it sucks. I'm so envious of the PT's. I'm into lifting weights and showing people how to exercise, not toileting and bathing other dudes! I'm so depressed about my career choice. I'm stuck paying off school debt.

That's completely your fault. If you become the "shower and toilet guy" then guess what; you're going to be the toilet guy. The only person who limits your interventions is yourself. I do a broad mixture of treatments, many which include weight training and modalities (e-stim, diathermy, etc). Where does it say you cannot lift weights for treatment? You've pigeonholed yourself into treatments; it is up to yourself to re-establish your role as an OT. If you cannot advocate for our profession or yourself how can you even begin to advocate for a client?

Is it required more school just to work with autistic kids? because thats what im wanting to do!

OTDude in Columbus, Ohio said: Kalan,
If you are a guy, I would choose PT over OT. I hate my job. I work in acute care and it sucks. I'm so envious of the PT's. I'm into lifting weights and showing people how to exercise, not toileting and bathing other dudes! I'm so depressed about my career choice. I'm stuck paying off school debt.

It's probably your setting that is depressing you. I worked in a SNF for 8 years and I finally burned out. Outpatient clinics sound more what you're looking for... As for me I have worked home health, outpatient, rehab floor in hosapital, schools, and pediatric clinic and prefer peds over it all. The field of OT is vast so do some soul searching and find your niche! It's out there, I promise!

Actually from Pasadena, CA in Los Angeles, California said: Soon to be OTR in Phoenix, AZ:

I don't think you need to put in that many hours to make 6 figures.

I graduated last year and I make that much working a regular 40 hour work week. I'm 1099-Independent contractor, but I can write-off practically everything. Making money is not hard, it's finding a place that you're happy, appreciated, and not placed in ethically questionable situations that is the difficult part. I agree, solid mentorship IS 'golden'. But sadly, most of the positions with good training don't offer the kind of $$$ that a recent grad needs. Therein lies the trade-off. Right now, the money is good but I can't say that I'm developing my clinical skills. Unfortunately, everyday I'm faced with Program Directors and owners that try to get me to commit fraud, risk my license, and pretty much go against every rule we were taught about professional ethics in school. Mo money--mo problems.

Totally have to agree with the final statement there...at least so far in my Speech Therapy career. I'm about to take a cut in pay to attempt to free my mind of a job in a SNF that paid well but placed me in ethically-gray situations too often. HOWEVER, I could see where it is totally possible to have a lower paying job with similar ethical issues, demands, large caseloads and unreasonable requests of the professional being made...as I could see it being possible to have a very well paying therapy career (either as a contractor, a PRN or perm. staff) in excellent facilities with excellent staff. Really, in this world, any combination is possible I believe...I think it's about being skilled, liked, trusted, in demand and prepared to explore and accept new opportunities at the right time. I'm in a journey for good pay and relief at the end of the day that I did my job and didn't step on any legal/ethical/liability landmines!

I am in college with a psych major, but I have been shadowing an occupational therapist at an acute rehab center all year-- my question is this: do you decide on what you want to specialize in during grad school? Or should you know what you want to do before then?

Also: I take issue with a previous comment about how men should go into PT over OT: OT demands a lot of lifting for transitions and a lot of teaching patients how to use muscles and exercise, it simply focuses more on the upper half of the body.
I did notice at the hospital that the men tended to be in PT and waltzed around like they were in charge of the entire rehab center. Very annoying!

OTCurious said: Wow, that sucks that you're so depressed! Do you think that it's the setting that's a bad fit for you? I heard acute care and SNF are the most stressful for OT's.

I know this sounds like a stupid question, but I'm just learning about this profession. What exactly is it that you do when you have to shower and toilet patients? I mean, are you literally giving them sponge baths and wiping bottoms like a nurse would? I always thought that was the domain of nurses. How much of this, let's say, more "intrusive" activity do you have to do? Or are you more of a coach, telling them how to do it themselves?

This would take place at an acute care/long term care at a nursing home. I have been interning as an OT for a while now at a nursing home and we do have to assist them with bathing and bathroom necessities but we also have to teach them to do self care cleaning as well. Nurses do help sometimes but you need to be able to do it on your own on occasions.if you can handle it, this would be a good job for you! Hope this helps and good luck!

Anyone ever work for Care One? I am a new grad studying for my exam still and will be looking for a new job. I noticed there are many Care One centers and wondered if they are a good company to work for. How are Genesis, Sundance, and Premier?

Help!!! I can start the local ota program here in MI this coming fall, but just found out that ot classes won't transfer to a four yr college. Should I wait a yr andcomplete required classes for mot program at nr by four college? Side note: I'm over the age of 30.

Hi everyone,

I'm an OTR from California who's considering switching over to per diem work either at a hospital or at a SNF. Can someone tell me what's the hourly wage I should be asking for as a per diem therapist in CA? I'm not too familiar with per diem salary. Thank you. All input is appreciated.

Hi everyone,

I'm an OTR from California who's considering switching over to per diem work either at a hospital or at a SNF. Can someone tell me what's the hourly wage I should be asking for as a per diem therapist in CA? I'm not too familiar with per diem salary. Thank you. All input is appreciated.

Average per diem for SNF's is $50.00/hr. Beware of companies that try to lowball you.
Good luck!

I've been a home health therapist in Colorado for just under a year. What hourly per diem rate can I expect in San Francisco?

Hi guys,

I'm an OT currently in the OTD practice (eventually want to have my own practice of some sort) I was wondering for a therapist that has been working for a year in pediatrics and wants to move to gero what is the average hourly rate I should be asking? Also when people are talking about home health, what do the OTs that have been in the Home Health field do? Like home safety evals? community re-integration? I have no experience so I was just wondering thanks!

OTD program at USC*** oops sorry!

Question for any OTs working in the NYC (Department of Education) school system. Is anyone aware of the starting salary of school OTs? Upon looking at the website I found some outdated (from 2008) information that states $53,000. Is that number still correct? Thank you in advance.

OT or Bust in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: Question for any OTs working in the NYC (Department of Education) school system. Is anyone aware of the starting salary of school OTs? Upon looking at the website I found some outdated (from 2008) information that states $53,000. Is that number still correct? Thank you in advance.

That sounds really low. Call the NYC Dept of Ed and ask what it is.

OT or Bust...yes that number is correct..working for the NYC DOE you will start with mid 50s...and after taxes you end up with very little...that is why they trap students with their DOE "scholarship" where you are stuck working for them for 4 years in order to have your loans forgiven, but they don't tell you that you will get paid 50k odd plus 35% taxes..so students be ware of the NYC DOE Scholarship..do you really want to make a commitment for 4 years in a place?

Thank you OT dude in Brooklyn for your honesty. I am visiting NY to attend the NYU orientation in a few days. I will be asking some current students what their thoughts are about the scholarship/service commitment as well. Do you know how competative the scholarship is and the details of placement in the NYC schools upon completing the program?

Are you a current OT? If so, where do you work, etc?

OT or Bust any way I can Private message you please?

Debby in Brooklyn, New York said: OT or Bust any way I can Private message you please?

Sure you can. How does that work?

please send me an email to debbyenglander@gmail.com. that way I \'ll reply.

Hi, I'm just getting started with OT grad school, not sure what to expect. I really like sensory work, and I've been told it's a widening field especially with ASD individuals. anyone familiar with this? is it worth specializing or would i do better with getting accustomed to more general OT work in a hospital setting?

I currently work in Early Intervention birth to three program in Illinois as a service coordinator. The state rate for pediatric OTs in our program is roughly $74/hour. This is the lowest amount...insurance, of course, pays more. I know of many OTs that bill insurance $100-120/hr or more. In addition to this hourly rate, independent OTs working in early intervention get an extra $74/month for each client they see, to be used for service development time. The OTs I work with appear to be raking it in and living very comfortably. You can carry a caseload of only 20 kiddos per week, and even if you're billing all 20 at the State rate, you will be making around $88,000. Therapists that are able to bill insurance directly clear well over $100,000/year. These are in home services, so it does require travel. But at least in the Chicago area, you can select which areas you want to work in. I know of many OTs that only see clients that live within five minutes of each other. Of course, as an independent provider, you don't get insurance. Other than this fact though, Early Intervention allows a lot of freedom and chances to make very excellent money.

OTDude in Columbus, Ohio said: Kalan,
If you are a guy, I would choose PT over OT. I hate my job. I work in acute care and it sucks. I'm so envious of the PT's. I'm into lifting weights and showing people how to exercise , not toileting and bathing other dudes! I'm so depressed about my career choice. I'm stuck paying off school debt.

2 points
You hate wiping arses, well what about the people you are wiping arses for. do you think they enjoy some primadonna wannabe professional type with barely concealed disgust caring for them. Haven't people with a loss of dependence for their personal care got enough problems without you approaching them with your judgments. Caring for others is a privilege you are entrusted with, get a new job and stop upsetting others.

last point is clinical it doesn't seem that you are working within a framework of goal setting. you need to assess clients for their level independence and then develop a training setting for nursing staff to work with the client in development and maintenance of their independence. In theory you are supposed to have skills that should best be focused upon better outcomes.

its people like you that should not be in any caring role

.