SOC 2222 Health professionals

Occupational therapists Salary

Median salary £37,201 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £37,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For occupational therapists, £44,040 is the typical (median) pay. That is above the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +13% versus the national average. Experienced occupational therapists (top 25%) earn over £46,309.

About this role

Occupational therapists assess, diagnose and treat psychological and emotional difficulties, helping individuals and groups manage mental health conditions, behavioural challenges and life transitions. They use evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to client needs.

Key responsibilities

Conducting psychological assessments and formulations
Delivering evidence-based therapeutic interventions
Developing treatment plans in collaboration with clients
Maintaining detailed clinical records and case notes
Contributing to multidisciplinary team care and supervision

Qualifications and entry routes

Psychologists typically require a BPS-accredited degree plus doctoral-level training. Counsellors require BACP or equivalent accreditation. Therapists require relevant professional registration (HCPC, UKCP, BACP).

Career outlook

Significant demand driven by growing awareness of mental health and NHS Talking Therapies expansion. Waiting list pressures create opportunities in private practice.

Key skills

Therapeutic techniques Active listening Clinical assessment Empathy Ethical practice

Common industries

NHS
Private practice
Education
Occupational health
Social services

Data coverage

SOC code 2222

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2015–2025

Estimated jobs 43,000

Median Salary

£37,201

Mean Salary

£37,503

Jobs (000s)

43k

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

P25: £29,424Median: £37,201P75: £46,309

P10: £22kP25: £29kMedian: £37kP75: £46kP90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£22,400

0-2 years

Mid Level

£29,424

3-7 years

Senior

£46,309

8-15 years

Potential career growth: +107% from entry to leadership

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +40.9%Real growth: +2.1%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Gender pay gap: 23.6%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£37,201

Full-time Only

£44,040

Full-time premium: +£6,839

Occupational therapists salary: common questions

How much do occupational therapists earn in the UK?

Occupational therapists earn a median of £44,040 a year (ONS ASHE 2025). The middle half earn between £29,424 and £46,309.

Is £44,040 a good salary in the UK?

What is the starting salary for occupational therapists?

Entry-level occupational therapists typically start near the lower end of the range. The bottom 25% earn up to £29,424, and the lowest-paid 10% earn under £22,400.

Have occupational therapists salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2015, median occupational therapists pay has risen from £30,651 to £44,040 — +44% in cash terms, or +4.0% after CPIH inflation. That is ahead of inflation over the period.

Is there a gender pay gap for occupational therapists?

Male occupational therapists earn a median £47,952 and female occupational therapists £36,639 — a gap of +24% in 2025.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).