Occupational Therapists Have An Unemployment Rate of 1%

Occupational therapy is a growing profession that has a very low unemployment rate. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2000-2012, occupational therapists had an average unemployment rate of 1%. OTs are in a great position to be able to demand when, where, and how they work. They are able to seek any job environment that they want, whether it be school districts, hospitals, or nursing homes. In 2000, 57,000 occupational therapists were employed, and in 2012 118,000 OTs had jobs. The BLS predicts that occupational therapy jobs will increase by 25,000 by the year 2020. Occupational therapists treat patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. Watch this video by CNNMoney for more information on the job stability of occupational therapists.