8 Highest Paying Countries for Occupational Therapists: Top Companies & Avg Salaries

8 Highest Paying Countries for Occupational Therapists: USA, Germany, Canada, UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.

Occupation therapists help people of all ages achieve independence and improve their daily living skills and quality of life. If you are considering a career in occupational therapy or looking to relocate for better opportunities knowing the pay grades in popular countries can be beneficial.

This guide provides the average occupational therapist salary in several leading nations. It provides insights into potential earnings and cost of living to assist you in making informed career decisions. 

Do you know?

• The US Bureau of Labour Statistics predicts a 12% job growth rate for occupational therapists from 2022 to 2032. [1] 
• The global occupational therapy market is expanding rapidly and is valued at USD 5,891.9 million in 2023, with a CAGR of 5.6% from 2024 to 2030. [2]

Quick Overview

Source:

• Cost of living: LivingCost (Refer to country-wise pages)
• The rest of the sources are marked as comments.
• The cost of living in SGD and NZD was converted to USD using the Forbes Currency Converter on 06th Aug 2024.

8 Highest Paying Countries for Occupational Therapists

1. USA – Average Annual Salary (USD 86,352)

The United States of America offers exceptional opportunities for occupational therapists due to the high demand for their specialised expertise. This results in competitive salaries and a thriving job market. 

With diverse practice settings, including hospitals, schools, and private practices, occupational therapists can find roles that align with their interests. Additionally, the strong emphasis on continuing to support certifications like Sensory Integration specialisations ensures career growth and keeps professionals updated with industry advancements. 

The average Occupational Therapists’s salary based on experience is as follows:

• Entry-level Occupational Therapists  – They can earn an annual salary of USD 73,137 
• Experienced Occupational Therapists  – Experienced professionals can earn up to USD 112,453 annually.

Also read: Average salary in the USA

2. Germany – Average Annual Salary (EUR 48,000)

Germany is an excellent place to practise as an Occupational Therapist due to its robust healthcare system, diverse career opportunities and emphasis on evidence-based practice. The country offers multiple pathways to enter the profession, including apprenticeships, dual studies and traditional university programs. 

The average Occupational Therapists’s salary based on experience is as follows:

• Entry-level Occupational Therapists  -These Occupational Therapists can earn an annual salary of EUR 45,425.
• Experienced Occupational Therapists – Experienced professionals can earn up to EUR 79,200 annually. 

Also read: 10 Highest paying part-time jobs for students in Germany

3. Canada – Average Annual Salary (CAD 72,760)

Canada offers a thriving job market for occupational therapists with a consistent demand across all provinces and territories. Occupational therapists can expect competitive salaries as it is a highly sought-after profession.

This, coupled with various immigration pathways and diverse employment opportunities, makes Canada a compelling option for occupational therapists seeking professional growth. 

The average Occupational Therapists salary based on experience is as follows:

• Entry-level Occupational Therapists  – Occupational Therapists can earn an annual salary of CAD 70,178.
• Experienced Occupational Therapists  – Experienced professionals can earn up to CAD 122,360 annually.

Also read: 19 must-have apps for expats and students in Canada.

4. UK – Average Annual Salary (GBP 36,919)

The United Kingdom offers a rewarding career for occupational therapists due to the high demand for skilled professionals across the NHS and social services. Opportunities in the UK offer exposure to working with diverse populations and addressing physical, mental and social challenges. 

Competitive salaries and a supportive HCPC-regulated environment make the UK a great choice for occupational therapists.

The average Occupational Therapists’s salary based on experience is as follows:

• Entry-level Occupational Therapists  – Entry-level Occupational Therapists can earn an annual salary of GBP 32,343.
• Experienced Occupational Therapists – Experienced professionals can earn up to GBP 50,050 annually.

Also read: How to open UK bank account for non-residents 

5. France – Average Annual Salary (EUR 67,000)

France has a growing recognition of the value of occupational therapists, particularly in areas like geriatrics and neurology. Although gaining certification in France can be tricky, the job market rewards this profession with competitive salaries and exposure to different work experiences. 

The average Occupational Therapists salary based on experience is as follows:

• Entry-level Occupational Therapists  – They can earn an annual salary of EUR 40,985.
• Experienced Occupational Therapists  – Experienced professionals can earn up to EUR 71,460 annually.  

Also read: Average Salary in France: Salaries by City and Experience.

6. Australia – Average Annual Salary (AUD 95,103)

Australia’s growing and ageing population drives high demand for occupational therapists. With a strong healthcare system, emphasis on work-life balance, competitive salaries, and diverse job opportunities, it offers a compelling lifestyle and career growth.

The average Occupational Therapists salary based on experience is as follows:

• Entry-level Occupational Therapists – Occupational Therapists can earn an annual salary of AUD 83,601.
• Experienced Occupational Therapists – Experienced professionals can earn up to AUD 145,764 annually.  

Also Read: 21 must-have apps for expats in Australia.

7. New Zealand  – Average Annual Salary (NZD 72,514)

New Zealand’s ageing population is driving a significant increase in demand for services that help older adults maintain independence and quality of life. 

Additionally, the growing recognition of occupational therapy’s role in mental health and addiction treatment has created new opportunities. New Zealand’s green list shows there’s a high demand for skilled professionals. The average Occupational Therapists’s salary based on experience is as follows:

• Entry-level Occupational Therapists -Entry-level Occupational Therapists can earn an annual salary of NZD 68,414.
• Experienced Occupational Therapists – Experienced occupational therapy professionals can earn up to NZD 85,456 annually. 

8. Singapore – Average Annual Salary (SGD 90,591)

The demand for occupational therapists is increasing in Singapore, and the job market offers lucrative opportunities even to immigrant professionals. Singapore’s high standard of living and diverse exposure to various career opportunities and growth prospects make it an attractive option for Occupational Therapists seeking international opportunities. 

The average Occupational Therapists’s salary based on experience is as follows:

• Entry-level Occupational Therapists – Entry-level professionals can earn an annual salary of SGD 64,597.
• Experienced Occupational Therapists  – Experienced professionals can earn up to SGD 112,628 annually. 

Also read: Average Salary in Singapore

Country-wise salary

Note: The above table shows the average salaries for Occupational Therapists in the top 8 countries. All the currencies have been converted to USD (to create graphs). 

Currency conversion tool: 

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/in/money-transfer/currency-conversion-calculator/

Other emerging countries

Beyond the well-established markets, several countries are experiencing a growing need for Occupational Therapists. These nations offer promising job opportunities for occupational therapists with competitive salaries for professionals in this field. Here are some of the other emerging countries offering great career options for Occupational therapists: 

• Sweden
• United Arab Emirates
• Saudi Arabia
• India

Similar Types of Jobs Overseas

Note: The above table illustrates the national average salary for the United States of America.

Source: Payscale

Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

• Before applying for job roles, understand the country’s healthcare system and the licensing requirements. 
• Building proficiency in the local language is crucial for a healthcare professional. Ensure you learn at least the basics of the local language before applying.  
• Connect with other occupational therapists working in your target country and build a network before you relocate.
• Respecting the local healthcare practices, procedures and approaches to treatments is universal. 
• Consider a variety of work environments, especially if you are a fresher in the field. 
• Be open to exploring new opportunities and experiences. 
• Consider taking up certifications for specialisations in your field. 

Don’ts

• Do not expect the healthcare system to be identical to your home country.
• Don’t overlook the need for certifications and paperwork.
• Don’t overlook the need for certifications and paperwork. Administrative processes can be intense for immigrant healthcare professionals. 
• Avoid making generalisations about the local culture. 
• Do not send generic applications; tailor your CV to the job role. Mention specialisations, if any. 
• Do not limit your job search to private practice; explore various settings and consider options that offer more exposure and growth prospects. 

Before you go…

Occupational therapists looking to maximise their earning potential should consider jobs abroad in countries known for their high salaries in the field. With the increasing awareness and need for occupational therapy services, there are many international job opportunities for occupational therapists available globally. Managing finances as an immigrant can be especially challenging without prior knowledge of the cost of living in your target country. 

One crucial financial aspect that needs consideration is a reliable fund transfer service. Instarem offers secure and fast* fund transfers. The affordable rates@ coupled with the transparency, also ensure you do not have to bear the burden of hidden charges when transferring money. 

You can also transfer money via the Instarem app which can be easily downloaded from the  App Store or Google Play. 

FAQs

Q. How to get an occupational therapy job in a foreign country?

Use LinkedIn or Indeed to secure occupational therapy jobs abroad.

Q. Which is the best country for occupational therapists with the highest pay for occupational therapy?

The United States of America offers the highest annual average salary for occupational therapists which ranges around USD 86,352. 

Q. Which country has a demand for Occupational Therapists?

Countries like the United States of America, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore have many jobs for occupational therapists.

Q. Which company is the best for Occupational Therapists?

Top companies in the USA, such as Reactiv Rehab, Global Autism Coalition and Behavioural Tools, are some of the most popular companies for OTists. 

Q. What is the starting occupational therapy salary abroad for a fresher in occupational therapy?

The entry-level salaries for occupational therapy jobs in foreign countries for freshers can vary significantly across countries. The United States, for example, offers USD 73,137 for entry-level OTists.

Q. How secure are occupational therapist jobs abroad?

Occupational therapy is in high demand due to the increasing rates of chronic conditions, ageing populations and the scarcity of skilled professionals in the field. This makes it both a secure job and a lucrative career option. 

Q. What is an occupational therapy salary abroad per month?

The salary for occupational therapists varies widely based on location, experience and specialisation. While it can be difficult to pinpoint the global average, you can expect to earn around USD 7,196 per month in popular countries like the US. 

Q. What is an occupational therapist’s salary per hour?

Although the average per-hour salary for occupational therapist jobs abroad can vary depending on the country of practice, in popular countries like the US, one can earn around USD 41.52.

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Disclaimers:

This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with the products or vendors mentioned.

*Fast meaning 75% of our transactions are completed in 15 minutes. Depending on the funding method.

@ When it comes to affordable exchange rates and fees, it’s worth noting that the cost will vary depending on how you choose to fund your transactions. Credit card funding and bank transfer fees can differ significantly. 

Note: Salary and cost of living are taken from different websites on 6th August 2024 and are subject to change.

Citations:

• [1]https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm
• [2]https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/occupational-therapy-market