Working as an Occupational Therapist
Industry Overview
Occupational therapists are currently in high demand throughout British Columbia. At present, there are more jobs than number of new graduates to fill them. As a result, you may have opportunities to practice in areas that typically would have required a higher level of experience. More opportunities for on-the-job training and mentorship will also likely become available.
The trend for occupational therapists moving to community practice (private practice) is expected to continue.
Some practices have adopted technologies for consultations province-wide. You may be asked to participate on teams delivering services through tele-health technologies.
Job Outlook in BC
Job Outlook in BC
Occupational Therapists
Chart from WorkBC
WorkBC provides job openings in BC regions from 2021- 2031:
| Region | 2021 Estimated Employment |
Average Annual Employment Growth |
Expected Number of Job Openings 2021-2031 |
| Vancouver Island / Coast | 410 | 1.3% | 160 |
| Lower Mainland / Southwest | 1,550 | 1.5% | 630 |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 400 | 1.3% | 160 |
| Kootenay | 50 | 0.3% | 10 |
| Cariboo | 70 | 0.4% | 20 |
| North Coast & Nechako | 50 | 0.6% | 20 |
| Northeast | N/A | N/A | N/A |
You can learn more about working as an occupational therapist in BC from:
Types of Employers
Occupational therapists work in many settings including:
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Residential care facilities
- Community care
- Employment & training centres
- Mental health facilities
- Child development centres
- Private clinics & offices
Salary & Working Hours
The median salary for occupational therapists working full-time in BC is $87,595 a year. If you work in private practice you may earn more than if you work for hospitals.
In addition to a salary, most full-time occupational therapists receive health and dental benefits, paid sick days, and paid vacations.
In BC’s regions, you can expect to earn:
Source: Job Bank Canada
Working Hours
You generally work 35 to 40 hours per week during standard office hours; however, evening, weekend and shift work may also be required.
Sources: Work BC & Career Cruising