Is Occupational Therapy a Good Career in 2026?

Basic Overview 

Occupational therapy remains a growing healthcare profession in 2026. According to California workforce projections, Occupational Therapists are projected to experience 20.5% employment growth between 2022 and 2032, while Occupational Therapy Assistants jobs are projected to grow 33.3%.¹ ² For students interested in rehabilitation, patient-centered care, and helping individuals improve independence, occupational therapy continues to be a career path worth exploring. 

Is Occupational Therapy a Good Career in 2026?
Occupational therapy students participate in a white coat ceremony recognizing their transition into advanced professional education.

Why Consider Occupational Therapy Careers? 

Occupational therapy continues to play an important role in helping individuals participate in daily activities, recover from injuries, adapt to physical challenges, and improve independence. 

If you are considering healthcare careers, understanding job outlook, work environments, educational requirements, and professional responsibilities can help determine whether occupational therapy aligns with your interests and goals. 

What Does an Occupational Therapist Do? 

Occupational Therapists (OTs) help individuals develop, recover, or maintain skills needed for daily living, work, school, and community participation.¹ 

Occupational Therapists work with individuals across all ages and may support patients recovering from or living with: 

  • Injuries 
  • Illnesses 
  • Neurological conditions 
  • Developmental disabilities 
  • Age-related changes 

This career path focuses on helping individuals participate more fully in meaningful activities that support independence and quality of life.¹ 

Is There Demand for Occupational Therapists in California? 

According to the California Employment Development Department (EDD), Occupational Therapists are projected to experience continued employment growth in California through 2032.¹ Employment is projected to grow 20.5% between 2022 and 2032, driven in part by an aging population, increased demand for rehabilitation services, and a growing focus on independence and quality of life.¹ 

As healthcare organizations continue to support recovery, mobility, wellness, and independence, Occupational Therapists remain an important part of interdisciplinary healthcare teams. 

What Is the Salary Outlook for Occupational Therapists? 

According to the California Employment Development Department (EDD), Occupational Therapists reported a statewide mean annual wage of approximately $125,000, or about $60.25 per hour.¹ 

Compensation can vary based on: 

  • Geographic location 
  • Employer type 
  • Experience level 
  • Practice setting 
  • Professional specialization 

You can review official workforce resources for the most current occupational information.¹ 

Is Occupational Therapy a Good Career in 2026?
Occupational therapy students engage with community members while exploring healthcare technology and innovation.

Where Do Occupational Therapists Work? 

Occupational Therapists work in a variety of healthcare and community settings. 

Examples include: 

  • Hospitals 
  • Rehabilitation facilities 
  • Schools 
  • Skilled nursing facilities 
  • Outpatient clinics 
  • Community health organizations 
  • Home health settings 

The diversity of practice environments is one reason many students explore occupational therapy careers. 

What Skills Are Important for Occupational Therapists? 

Occupational therapy combines healthcare knowledge with patient-centered problem-solving. 

Successful Occupational Therapists often demonstrate: 

  • Communication skills 
  • Critical thinking 
  • Empathy and compassion 
  • Adaptability 
  • Observation skills 
  • Collaboration and teamwork 

Because Occupational Therapists work closely with patients and healthcare teams, interpersonal skills are important alongside technical knowledge. 

What Education Is Required to Become an Occupational Therapist? 

Occupational Therapists complete a master’s degree program and fulfill applicable certification and licensure requirements before entering practice.¹ 

Graduate-level occupational therapy education often includes: 

  • Anatomy and physiology 
  • Human development 
  • Occupational therapy theory and practice 
  • Evidence-based interventions 
  • Fieldwork experiences 
  • Professional practice concepts 

Educational requirements and licensure pathways vary by state. 

What About Occupational Therapy Assistants? 

If you are interested in occupational therapy careers you may also explore the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) profession as a stepping stone. 

According to the California Employment Development Department (EDD), Occupational Therapy Assistants are projected to experience employment growth of 33.3% between 2022 and 2032, making OTA one of the faster-growing allied health careers in California.² In addition, Occupational Therapy Assistants reported a statewide mean annual wage of approximately $86,840, or about $41.75 per hour.² 

Occupational Therapy Assistants work under the supervision of Occupational Therapists to help implement treatment plans and support patients in developing or maintaining skills needed for daily activities.² 

Examples may include helping patients improve: 

  • Dressing and grooming skills 
  • Fine motor coordination 
  • Adaptive equipment use 
  • Daily living activities 

OTA education introduces occupational therapy and rehabilitation-focused healthcare careers. 

Occupational Therapy Education Pathways at Stanbridge University 

Students interested in occupational therapy careers can explore multiple educational pathways at Stanbridge University. 

Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) 

The Stanbridge University Occupational Therapy Assistant program prepares students to work under the supervision of Occupational Therapists and support patients in daily living and participation goals. 

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) 

The Stanbridge University Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program prepares students to evaluate patients, develop treatment plans, and support participation in meaningful daily activities across a variety of settings. 

Both programs incorporate classroom learning, laboratory experiences, and fieldwork education designed to support occupational therapy training. 

Is Occupational Therapy a Good Career in 2026?
MSOT students celebrate an important milestone in their occupational therapy education journey.

Is Occupational Therapy the Right Career for You? 

Occupational therapy may appeal to individuals who: 

  • Enjoy helping others 
  • Are interested in healthcare and rehabilitation 
  • Value patient-centered care 
  • Want to work directly with individuals across the lifespan 
  • Enjoy problem-solving and collaboration 

Career decisions should consider educational requirements, professional responsibilities, work environments, and long-term goals. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is occupational therapy a good career in 2026? 

Occupational therapy continues to be a growing healthcare profession with projected employment growth in California and opportunities across hospitals, schools, rehabilitation facilities, and community settings.¹ 

Is occupational therapy in demand? 

According to the California Employment Development Department, Occupational Therapists are projected to experience employment growth of 20.5% between 2022 and 2032.¹ Occupational Therapy Assistants are projected to experience employment growth of 33.3% between 2022 and 2032, making OTA one of the faster-growing allied health careers in California.² 

What is the difference between an Occupational Therapist and an Occupational Therapy Assistant? 

Occupational Therapists evaluate patients, develop treatment plans, and oversee care. Occupational Therapy Assistants work under supervision to help implement treatment plans and support therapeutic activities. Educational requirements and scope of practice differ between the professions.¹ ² 

How long does it take to become an Occupational Therapist? 

Occupational Therapists complete a master’s degree program and applicable certification and licensure requirements before entering practice.¹ The Stanbridge University MSOT program is 117 quarter credit hours and takes approximately 26–27 months to complete. 

Where do Occupational Therapists work? 

Occupational Therapists work in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, community health organizations, and home health settings.¹ 

Where can I learn more about occupational therapy education? 

Students interested in occupational therapy careers can explore the Occupational Therapy Assistant and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy programs offered by Stanbridge University. 

Footnotes 

¹ California Employment Development Department (EDD) Occupational Therapists Occupational Profile 
https://labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/cgi/databrowsing/occExplorerQSDetails.asp?searchCriteria=occupational+therapist&careerID=&menuChoice=&geogArea=0601000000&soccode=291122&search=Explore+Occupation 

² California Employment Development Department (EDD) Occupational Therapy Assistants Occupational Profile 
https://labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/cgi/databrowsing/occExplorerQSDetails.asp?searchCriteria=occupational+therapy+assistant&careerID=&menuChoice=&geogArea=0601000000&soccode=312011&search=Explore+Occupation 

3 Program duration subject to change. Completion times vary depending upon the start and end dates of a cohort and any individual circumstances that may impact progression.