Occupational Therapy Around the World: Compensation Insights, 2025

Occupational therapists play an essential role in helping people of all ages regain independence, find purpose, and participate fully in everyday life. While the meaning behind the work is universal, compensation and market environments can vary greatly from one country to another. This guide offers an updated look at OT salaries globally in 2025, offering insight into how much OTs earn and why.

United States

Occupational therapists in the United States typically earn around $51 per hour, which equates to an annual salary range of approximately $83,000 to $92,000 for full-time roles. Earnings depend on experience and setting. Hospital-based positions, especially in urban areas, commonly command higher pay, while roles in rural schools or smaller clinics may offer lower hourly rates but often provide stronger benefits or flexible schedules. Private clinics, telehealth services, and specialized pediatric or geriatric settings also offer opportunities to earn above the average.

Canada

Compensation for OTs varies significantly across Canadian provinces. In Ontario, the average wage is CAD 49.76 per hour (around USD 37). Public health organizations, such as the Canadian Mental Health Association, pay about CAD 42.71 per hour (USD 32). Meanwhile, in British Columbia, home to cities like Vancouver, average hourly pay is closer to CAD 65.46 (USD 48). Factors such as cost of living, urban demand, and healthcare budget structures contribute to these differences.

United Kingdom

In the U.K., occupational therapists earn an average salary of £40,600 annually, or about USD 52,000. Those working for the NHS often earn slightly more, around £41,700 per year. Agency roles offer flexibility and variable hours with rates averaging £23.33 per hour (USD 30). While these roles provide scheduling freedom, they may lack benefits and long-term job security compared to permanent NHS contracts.

Australia

Australia remains an attractive location for OTs in terms of both compensation and professional development. National annual salaries average AUD 94,300 (USD 60,000), with private sector employers like Australian Health Professionals offering around AUD 98,000 (USD 62,000). Senior-level roles can reach AUD 105,000 (USD 66,000), and metropolitan hubs such as Sydney offer even higher pay. In Sydney, the NSW Health sector averages AUD 99,200 annually (USD 64,000). These figures reflect a blend of competitive pay and a high demand for services across healthcare settings.

New Zealand

OTs in New Zealand earn approximately NZD 90,000 per year, which is about USD 55,000 to 60,000. Though slightly lower than in Australia, OT professionals enjoy a supportive work culture, solid benefits through public programs, and roles in education and early intervention that often deliver substantial personal and professional fulfillment.

Singapore

In Singapore, OTs earn a baseline of SGD 5,000 per month (around USD 40,000 to 45,000 per year). Those working in international or private schools may earn considerably more—up to SGD 9,000 per month (USD 90,000 to 110,000 annually). Public sector and hospital positions typically stay at the entry-level figure. The range highlights how compensation links closely with sector, institution type, and geographical location.

South Africa

Occupational therapy in South Africa offers unique and meaningful opportunities. Nationally, OTs earn about ZAR 264,000 annually (USD 14,500). In high-demand regions such as Gauteng province, this number climbs to ZAR 493,000 (USD 27,000). These figures reflect significant economic and regional disparities as well as growing investment in OT roles within the public and private healthcare infrastructure.

India

Salaries for therapy professionals in India reflect regional economic conditions and the growing prevalence of specialized services. Across the country, OTs earn an average of ₹24,568 per month (roughly USD 3,500 annually). In Kerala, the average is ₹26,454 per month (USD 3,840), while in Karnataka, it rises to ₹29,839 (USD 4,320). Delhi offers higher pay at ₹38,900 per month (USD 5,640), and private urban clinics can go up to ₹43,333 per month (USD 7,560). These salaries—while modest globally—are growing as awareness and demand for occupational therapy expand.

What Shapes OT Pay Worldwide?

Several factors drive differences in compensation:

1. Cost of living varies dramatically from one country to the next.

2. Public versus private sectors influence both baseline pay and the availability of bonuses or benefits.

3. Specialization and experience—OTs in geriatrics, neurorehab, or pediatric therapy often earn more.

4. Regional demand—urban centers usually offer higher pay due to increased healthcare access and funding.

Final Thought

Compensation is one piece of the OT journey. Professional fulfillment often includes work-life balance, advancement opportunities, and capacity for impact. Wherever you are in your OT career, local or international, the numbers are helpful, but the communities we support and the lives we change are what truly matter.

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