Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
An Occupational Therapist is a healthcare professional who helps individuals of all ages to develop, recover, improve, or maintain the daily living and work skills of people with physical, mental, or developmental conditions. They use various therapeutic techniques to improve their clients' ability to perform tasks in their daily living and working environments.
Education: Master's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 11.5% (far above average)
Annual job openings: 10 200
Direct AI exposure: 12% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 67% of tasks
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Occupational Therapists. According to the wage tables, average income is $96K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $75K per year | $83K per year | $96K per year | $106K per year | $114K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $31K above the national average. | ||||
Occupational Therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, schools, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes. They may also provide in-home therapy services. The job often requires moving around and can be physically demanding, as it involves assisting patients with exercises and activities.
Occupational Therapists play a crucial role in helping individuals overcome challenges in their daily lives due to physical, mental, or developmental issues. They assess the patient's needs, create customized treatment plans, and use a variety of therapeutic techniques. This can include exercises, activities, and the use of assistive devices to enhance patients' abilities to perform tasks.
The role requires a strong understanding of medical conditions, therapy techniques, and the physical and psychological needs of different age groups. OTs must be creative in adapting activities to each patient's needs and resourceful in recommending modifications to their environments.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as OTs work closely with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals. They must be empathetic and patient, with an ability to motivate and inspire confidence in their clients. Continuous learning is important to stay updated with the latest therapy techniques and technologies.
To become an Occupational Therapist in Canada, individuals must complete a master's degree in occupational therapy, typically 2-3 years following a bachelor's degree. Graduates must then register with the provincial regulatory college, which requires completion of an accredited program and passing the National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination (NOTCE) administered by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT).
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
