31203 – Occupational therapists
Lead statement
Occupational therapists develop individual and group programs with people affected by illness, injury, developmental disorders, emotional or psychological problems and aging to maintain, restore or increase their ability to care for themselves and to engage in work, school or leisure. They also develop and implement health promotion programs with individuals, community groups and employers.
Main duties
- Analyse clients' capabilities and expectations related to life activities through observation, interviews and formal assessments
- Develop intervention programs to address clients' needs related to self-care, work and leisure activities
- Maintain clients' records
- Establish personalized care plans working as a member of an interdisciplinary team
- Consult and advise on health promotion programs to prevent disabilities and to maximize independent function in all activities of life
- May supervise support personnel and students and provide training.
Employment requirements
- A university degree in occupational therapy including supervised fieldwork is required.
- Completion of a national or provincial certification examination is required.
- Licensure with a regulatory body is required in all provinces and territories.
- Membership in the national association, Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists, is required in some provinces.
- Occupational therapists may obtain expertise in a particular area through additional training or experience.
Example job titles
clinical occupational therapist · community occupational therapist · community practice occupational therapist · home care occupational therapist · occupational therapist (OT) · research occupational therapist · clinical occupational therapy specialist · case manager occupational therapist · occupational therapy rehabilitation consultant · research and development occupational therapist · occupational therapist vocational evaluator · vocational evaluator occupational therapist
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $36.17 | $46.00 | $55.00 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $37.60 | $45.70 | $51.39 |
| Nova Scotia | $33.28 | $42.80 | $49.74 |
| New Brunswick | $38.00 | $45.00 | $50.00 |
| Quebec | $37.00 | $46.00 | $55.00 |
| Ontario | $33.33 | $45.00 | $55.90 |
| Manitoba | $38.00 | $39.90 | $48.08 |
| Saskatchewan | $32.00 | $45.00 | $50.00 |
| Alberta | $39.00 | $48.08 | $52.25 |
| British Columbia | $30.00 | $50.00 | $66.91 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.