Expected Annual Pay (Texas)
$101,760
Average salary range
Job Title
Occupational Therapist
Job Outlook (Texas)
+20%
Employment growth
Level of Education Required
Master’s degree; Most occupational therapists earn a master's degree in occupational therapy. Some occupational therapists pursue doctoral degrees, particularly if they are interested in research, higher education, or advanced clinical leadership roles
Minimum requirement
Credentials or Licenses Required
Occupational therapists must hold a license issued by the Texas Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners. Licensure typically requires completion of an accredited occupational therapy program and successful completion of the national certification examination.
Licenses / Certificates
Work Experience Typically Required
Occupational therapists gain experience through supervised fieldwork and clinical placements completed as part of their professional education. Many also have prior experience in healthcare, rehabilitation, early intervention, special education, or other roles supporting children and adults with developmental, physical, sensory, or cognitive needs.
Related experience needed
What is this role responsible for day to day?
An occupational therapist helps individuals develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and participation in school, work, and community life. Day‑to‑day responsibilities may include:
- Evaluating patients’ physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities
- Developing individualized intervention or treatment plans
- Using therapeutic activities to improve functional skills
- Adapting environments, tools, or routines to support independence
- Collaborating with families, educators, and healthcare teams
- Documenting progress and adjusting treatment goals as needed
Career Snapshots
Explore different career paths within education and find the one that fits your passion
Maya
Maya started her career as an assistant child care teacher while attending college. Through her work with children, she became interested in how developmental differences can affect participation in everyday activities and learning. After earning a master’s degree in occupational therapy and completing her clinical fieldwork, she became an occupational therapist. She enjoys helping children develop the skills they need to participate successfully at home, in school, and in their communities. In the future, she hopes to specialize in early intervention services.
Isaac
Isaac began his career as a rehabilitation technician, supporting therapists in a pediatric outpatient clinic. Working closely with children and families inspired him to pursue occupational therapy as a profession. Today, he enjoys collaborating with families, educators, and healthcare providers to develop practical strategies that support children’s independence and participation. Eventually, he would like to move into a clinical supervisor role.
Rebecca
Rebecca first worked as a special education paraprofessional in public school and developed a passion for helping children access learning opportunities and daily routines. After completing graduate school and becoming licensed as an occupational therapist, she began working with young children in educational and community settings. She plans to remain in direct practice long-term because she enjoys building relationships with families and helping children make progress toward meaningful goals.
What are some skills or personal traits that people in this role typically have?
People in this role are patient, observant, and problem‑solvers. They communicate clearly, adapt strategies to individual needs, and are comfortable working across clinical, educational, and community settings.
What are some jobs that people had earlier in their careers?
People in this role often previously worked as:
People in this role often previously worked as:
- Occupational Therapy Student or Clinical Intern
- Rehabilitation or Healthcare Support Staff
- Early Childhood or Special Education Support Roles
What are some jobs that people in this role have later in their careers?
With experience, people in this role may move into:
With experience, people in this role may move into:
- Advanced or Specialized Occupational Therapy Practice
- Clinical Supervisor or Program Leadership Roles
- Healthcare Education, Research, or Administrative Positions