Occupational therapists
SOC Code: 29-1122
Occupational therapists carries a 36% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $98,340 and +13.8% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 160,000 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122) carries an AI exposure score of 36%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 160,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +13.8% change through 2034 — a strong growth outlook that compensates meaningfully for automation risk. Median annual compensation stands at $98,340, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Master's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Occupational therapists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Test and evaluate patients' physical and mental abilities and analyze medical data to determine realistic rehabilitation goals for patients.
- 2. Complete and maintain necessary records.
- 3. Teach cane skills, including cane use with a guide, diagonal techniques, and two-point touches.
- 4. Recommend appropriate mobility devices or systems, such as human guides, dog guides, long canes, electronic travel aids (ETAs), and other adaptive mobility devices (AMDs).
- 5. Plan, organize, and conduct occupational therapy programs in hospital, institutional, or community settings to help rehabilitate persons with disabilities because of illness, injury or psychological or developmental problems.
- 6. Train clients with visual impairments to use mobility devices or systems, such as human guides, dog guides, electronic travel aids (ETAs), and other adaptive mobility devices (AMDs).
- 7. Plan and implement programs and social activities to help patients learn work or school skills and adjust to handicaps.
- 8. Select activities that will help individuals learn work and life-management skills within limits of their mental or physical capabilities.
- 9. Evaluate patients' progress and prepare reports that detail progress.
- 10. Train caregivers in providing for the needs of a patient during and after therapy.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Learning Strategies
- Reading Comprehension
- Social Perceptiveness
- Instructing
- Service Orientation
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Psychology
- Transportation
- Customer and Personal Service
- Therapy and Counseling
- Public Safety and Security
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Computers and Electronics
- Geography
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Occupational therapists?
Occupational therapists has an AI exposure score of 36%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Occupational therapists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Occupational therapists is projected to grow by 13.8% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 160,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Occupational therapists?
Key skills for Occupational therapists include Active Listening, Speaking, Learning Strategies, and others. Typical entry-level education is Master's degree.
How much do Occupational therapists earn?
The median annual wage for Occupational therapists is $98,340, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Occupational therapists?
The typical entry-level education for Occupational therapists is Master's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Occupational therapists?
Occupational therapists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).