Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession focused on helping people across the lifespan participate in the activities of daily life. Professionals in this field work with individuals experiencing physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges to promote independence and well-being through therapeutic intervention. Understanding the scale of this specialized workforce provides necessary context for its impact on the US healthcare system.
The Total Number of Occupational Therapists in the US
The US occupational therapy workforce is composed of licensed practitioners engaged in a variety of healthcare and educational roles across the country. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the total number of employed occupational therapists in the US workforce was 144,840 as of May 2023. This figure represents only the professionals holding the main Occupational Therapist title, excluding assistants and aides.
This employment number reflects individuals who have attained the required graduate-level education and licensure to practice independently. The total workforce size has shown a steady increase over the past decade, driven by broader changes in healthcare delivery and an aging population requiring rehabilitation services.
Understanding the Difference: OTs Versus OTAs
Occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) form a collaborative team, but they are distinct roles with separate workforce counts and educational requirements. OTs are the professionals who evaluate a patient’s condition, develop the intervention plan, and determine the overall goals of therapy. To practice, an occupational therapist must hold a Master’s or Doctoral degree from an accredited program.
Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) work under the supervision of an OT to implement the treatment plan developed during the initial evaluation. OTAs typically require an Associate’s degree from an accredited program, which prepares them for the clinical implementation of therapeutic activities. The occupational therapy assistant workforce, as reported by the BLS in May 2023, totaled 46,090 employed individuals.
Primary Work Settings for Occupational Therapists
The occupational therapy workforce is distributed across a diverse range of environments, reflecting the profession’s broad application across the lifespan and various medical needs. The three largest employment settings account for a significant portion of all practicing OTs, and the variety of practice settings highlights the profession’s versatility in addressing a wide spectrum of functional challenges.
- Offices of Other Health Practitioners (42,840 employed individuals), a category that primarily includes outpatient clinics.
- General Medical and Surgical Hospitals (31,930 OTs), where they often focus on acute care, rehabilitation, and helping patients transition back home after a serious medical event.
- Educational Services, specifically Elementary and Secondary Schools (17,690 OTs), working to support children with disabilities in their learning environments.
- Home Health Care Services (11,740 OTs).
- Skilled Nursing Facilities (9,950 professionals).
Future Demand: Projected Growth of the Profession
The job outlook for the occupational therapy profession is significantly stronger than the average for all occupations in the US. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of occupational therapists will grow by 14% between 2024 and 2034. This projected growth rate is considered much faster than the national average, indicating a rising demand for OT services across the healthcare landscape.
The primary factor driving this anticipated increase is the aging of the US population, particularly the large Baby Boomer generation, who are living longer and seeking services to maintain their independence and quality of life. Occupational therapists are instrumental in helping older adults manage chronic conditions like arthritis, stroke recovery, and mobility issues. The growing recognition of occupational therapy’s role in addressing mental health conditions and the increasing number of children identified with developmental delays also contribute to the demand. This sustained growth is expected to result in approximately 10,200 job openings each year, on average, over the decade.
State-by-State Workforce Density
While national employment figures provide a total count, the geographical distribution of the workforce reveals significant variation in density across states. Workforce density, often measured by the number of OTs per 1,000 jobs or by a location quotient, is a more meaningful metric than raw employment numbers alone. A location quotient compares the concentration of an occupation in a specific area to the national average, where a quotient of 1.0 represents the national average.
In May 2023, states like Connecticut (1.87) and Maine (1.78) showed some of the highest location quotients, indicating a higher concentration of occupational therapists relative to their overall employment figures. Conversely, states in the South and Midwest often exhibit lower per capita ratios, suggesting potential access disparities, particularly in rural areas. The states with the highest raw employment numbers, such as California, Texas, and New York, do not necessarily have the highest density when population size is factored into the calculation.