How to become an Occupational Therapist – Employers & Salaries

Occupational therapists can work in a wide variety of settings including hospitals, GP practices, education establishments, nursing and residential care homes, prisons and often in the client’s home. The main employer is the NHS, but there is also the opportunity for occupational therapists to work within the Private Sector.

Salaries depend on experience and knowledge. To increase your earnings, you must demonstrate application of skills and knowledge. Some typical salary levels are highlighted below:

Starting salary for Occupational Therapist	£21,176	Band 5
Specialist Level	£25,472+	Band 6
Advanced Practitioner	£30,460+	Band 7

Effective from 1st April 2010
NHS Agenda for Change Pay Scales 2010/2011
Band 1	Band 2	Band 3	Band 4	Band 5	Band 6	Band 7	Band 8a	Band 8b	Band 8c	Band 8d	Band 9
13,653	13,653	15,610	18,152	21,176	25,472	30,460	38,851	45,254	54,454	65,270	77,079
14,008	14,008	16,145	18,577	21,798	26,483	31,454	40,157	46,621	55,945	67,134	80,810
14,364	14,364	16,753	19,250	22,663	27,534	32,573	41,772	48,983	58,431	69,932	84,688
	14,779	17,118	19,933	23,563	28,470	34,189	43,388	51,718	61,167	73,351	88,753
	15,194	17,604	20,554	24,554	29,464	35,184	45,254	54,454	65,270	77,079	93,014
	15,610	18,152	21.176	25,472	30,460	36,303	46,621	55,945	67,134	80,810	97,478
	16,145	18,557	21,798	26,483	31,454	37,545
	16,753			27,534	2,573	38,851
					34,189	40,157