Qualified occupational therapists working in the NHS start with an average salary of about £20,000. More experienced occupational therapists can earn over £40,000. Consultant occupational therapists can earn up to and beyond £50,000.

Local government salaries tend to be pitched around the same level, although they are set by individual employers and so can vary significantly.

Earnings are similar in the private, voluntary and charitable sectors. In addition, occupational therapists working in London can receive London weighting of around £5,500.

The average hours of work are 35–37.5 hours per week. Most occupational therapy staff work Monday to Friday during ‘office hours’, but there are an increasing number of posts that cover evenings and weekends, particularly in mental health community services, acute hospitals, accident and emergency services and private practice.

Part-time and other flexible working arrangements are also available.