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How to Become an Occupational Therapist: Australian Careers in Occupational Therapy

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What is a Occupational Therapist?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

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What is a Occupational Therapist?

An occupational therapist helps people take part in everyday activities. They work with clients who face physical, emotional or developmental challenges. Their goal is to improve independence and quality of life through focused therapy.

OTs begin each case with a detailed assessment. They observe clients at home, at work and in school settings. Using clinical tests and direct observation, they identify what limits the client. From there, they design a personal therapy plan to address those barriers.

Therapy plans can include exercises, adaptive aids and changes to the client’s environment. OTs also advise families, carers, teachers and employers on how to support their clients. They record all progress carefully and follow strict ethical and legal guidelines.

Occupational therapists work in hospitals, schools, rehab centres, aged care facilities and private practice. There is strong demand for skilled OTs across Australia. Around 3,000 new positions are added each year (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The profession has clear paths to specialise in paediatrics, mental health and aged care.

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Career snapshots For Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapy is one of Australia’s fastest-growing health professions. There are 35,600 OTs employed across the country (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Around 3,000 new positions are added each year. This growth is driven by demand from the NDIS, aged care and mental health sectors.

The workforce is young and predominantly female. The median age is 33 years, and 92% of practitioners are women (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Around 63% work full-time, averaging 40 hours per week. Part-time and flexible roles are common. The median annual salary for full-time OTs is around $99,500. This is based on median weekly earnings of $1,913 (ABS, Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025).

OTs work across a wide range of settings. These include hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, disability support organisations, aged care facilities and private practice. New South Wales and Victoria are the largest employers, accounting for about 57% of the national workforce. Employment conditions and pay are stable, with a low unemployment rate across the profession.

What will I do?

Occupational therapists assess what stops clients from doing their daily activities. They then create and carry out therapy plans to address those barriers. This work needs clinical skill, empathy and creative thinking.

  • Assessing clients’ emotional, mental and physical abilities using clinical observations and standard tests
  • Assessing how clients function at home, at work and at school, and suggesting changes to improve performance
  • Planning and running programs using work, leisure, social and learning activities for individuals and groups
  • Advising family members, carers, employers and teachers on adapting clients’ daily settings
  • Providing adaptive aids such as wheelchairs and splints to help clients with daily tasks
  • Collaborating with other health professionals in overall case management
  • Giving specialist advice for specific client groups, including driver rehab and legal support
  • Recording client progress and keeping to legal and ethical guidelines

What skills do I need?

To succeed as an occupational therapist, you need strong clinical and people skills. Assessment sits at the core of the role. You must be able to observe, analyse and report on a client’s daily abilities with precision.

Communication is just as important. OTs work with clients, families, carers, teachers, employers and other health professionals every day. You need to explain complex findings clearly and adjust your style for each audience. Empathy and patience are essential. This work often involves people going through difficult times.

Adaptability matters too. No two clients are the same, and plans must be updated as progress is made. Strong time management and organisational skills help OTs manage their caseloads well. A commitment to ongoing CPD is also required by AHPRA.

Skills/attributes

  • Assessment and clinical observation
  • Communication and active listening
  • Empathy and patience
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Report writing and documentation
  • Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology
  • Therapy plan design and implementation
  • Teamwork with other health professionals
  • Adaptability across diverse client groups
  • Time management and organisation
  • Knowledge of adaptive equipment
  • Cultural awareness and sensitivity
  • Client motivation and support
  • Understanding of ethical and legal standards
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.