Wages, California

Entry-Level Hourly Wage	$20.05
25th Percentile	$23.16
50th Percentile	$28.30
75th Percentile	$34.25

Wages, San Joaquin County

Entry-Level Hourly Wage	$24.71
25th Percentile	$26.55
50th Percentile	$30.44
75th Percentile	$35.26

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Virtually all employers require a 40-hour week. Most employers give a comprehensive benefit package including retirement plans, insurance plans, vacation and sick leave.

Employment Trends, California

Employment 1998	5,300
Projected Employment 2008	7,000
Percent Change 1998-2008	32.1%
Separations 1998-2008	900

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County

Employment 1999	50
Projected Employment 2006	60
Percent Change 1999-2006	20%
Separations 1999-2006	10

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Occupational Therapists work in general hospitals, rehabilitation centers, school systems, psychiatric facilities, convalescent homes and in private practice. They may work in a clinic room with specific therapeutic tools or at the patient's bedside. Therapists in private practice may go to clients' homes. The physical working conditions are usually good: well-lighted, heated, clean rooms. A constant working condition, however, is the therapist's contact with sick or injured people.

Advancement
Promotional opportunities for Occupational Therapists depend largely on the place of employment. In large health facilities with large therapy staffs, therapists may be promoted to supervisory positions. In facilities having only one or two-person staffs, promotional opportunities are more limited.

Opportunities for advancement to administrative and supervisory positions are better for those therapists with a Master's degree in occupational therapy. Many therapists, after a number of years of experience, decide to go into private practice or consulting.

Getting the Job & Other Information
The Occupational Therapy Association of California and universities with Occupational Therapist programs are the main channels for bringing jobs and job seekers together. Employers may also list openings with the Employment Development Department, in the association newsletter and other professional journals. Job seekers may apply directly to federal, State and county employment offices.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Occupational Therapists working in California must be registered by the American Occupational Therapy Certification Board (AOTCB). Therapists must complete a four-year training program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, have six to nine months of supervised clinical work in a hospital or similar setting and pass the examination given by the AOTCB.

These programs also include the six to nine-month clinical affiliation experience in a hospital or community center required for admission to the Certification Exam for Occupational Therapist, Registered. Those who pass the exam are awarded the title, Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR). Currently, these are the only accredited Occupational Therapist programs in California.

Those occupational therapy assistants who are certified by the AOTCB, have two years of approved work experience, and have completed six to nine months of clinical work experience at the therapist level are also eligible to take the exam.

References
Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system.

California Occupational Guide: Occupational Therapists #143
Related Occupation: Physical Therapists #117, Physical Therapy Aides & Assistants #451

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)