School occupational therapists (OTs) and certified occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) play essential roles in schools by supporting the needs of students with mental, developmental, and emotional impairments. By addressing barriers to learning early on, OTs and COTAs help set the foundation for students to become independent, confident, and resilient learners and leaders.
In this State of School Occupational Therapy report from ProCare Therapy, learn everything you need to know about the career of school occupational therapists and certified occupational therapy assistants (COTA), including the demand for professionals, job outlook, demand, salary, responsibilities, and more.
School Occupational Therapist & COTA Responsibilities
The primary responsibility of both a school occupation therapist and a COTA is to help children perform daily activities by focusing on a variety of sensory, physical, and cognitive skills. These professionals improve the well-being of children in schools by allowing them to participate socially and academically. They accomplish this by working alongside other school professionals to create a modified plan of treatment that helps minimize obstacles to participation.
Demand for School Occupational Therapists
There is a high demand for occupational therapists throughout the country, but demand is especially in schools. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 12% of all employed occupational therapists currently work in elementary and secondary schools. Comparatively, 29% of occupational therapists work in hospitals, and 28% work in offices of physical, occupational, and speech therapists.
Occupational therapists are needed in schools more now than ever, primarily due to an increased understanding of the crucial role they can play in supporting students with disabilities or developmental delays in the educational setting. School-based OTs and COTAs help students overcome barriers that may affect their ability to participate fully in school activities alongside their peers, and when children have access to these professionals early on in their social and educational journey, they benefit from having these challenges that impact their academic performance and social interactions identified and addressed at a young age.
Job Outlook for School Occupational Therapy Careers
The job outlook for professionals in occupational therapy is very positive. The BLS reports that the employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 12% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. About 9,600 openings for occupational therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Similarly, the overall employment of occupational therapy assistants and aides is projected to grow 23% from 2022 to 2032, which is also much faster than the average for all occupations. About 8,600 openings for occupational therapy assistants and aides are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Occupational Therapist & COTA Salary
It’s important to note that the average salary for occupational therapists and COTAs varies greatly depending on the job location and the professional’s prior experience and education.
However, as a general guideline, the BLS reports that the national mean annual wage for occupational therapists is $96,790, and the mean hourly wage is $46.54.
The top five highest-paying states for occupational therapists are:
The national mean annual wage for occupational therapy assistants is $68,170, and the mean hourly wage is $32.78. The top five highest-paying states for occupational therapy assistants are:
- California
- Washington
- New Jersey
- Maryland
- Arkansas
Explore School Occupational Therapy Careers
School OTs and COTAs are instrumental in nurturing each student’s potential, and their efforts toward promoting a supportive educational environment are essential for all students to thrive academically and socially. At ProCare Therapy, we understand more than anyone the important role that school occupational therapy professionals play in supporting our future generation of leaders and learners. This is one reason why we are dedicated to helping passionate professionals find exceptional opportunities.
If you are passionate about helping children reach their full potential with occupational therapy, we want to hear from you. Browse ProCare’s current jobs for OTs and COTAs today, and get ready to make a positive impact on students!
Want to learn more about the career? Check out ProCare’s guides on occupational therapy, including our School Occupational Therapist Caseload Guide, Interview Questions for School-Based Occupational Therapists, and more on the ProCare blog!