Occupational therapist

What does an occupational therapist do? – Tasks and work environment

Occupational therapists play a central role in healthcare, focusing on supporting and enabling an independent life for individuals with various disabilities. Tasks include assessing patients' activity abilities, planning and implementing rehabilitation efforts, and adapting everyday environments and assistive devices. The work often involves close collaboration with other professionals such as physiotherapists, doctors, and nurses. Occupational therapists are active in primary care, hospitals, municipal care, schools, and private practices. The work environment is characterized by patient-centered work, varying pace, and high demands on flexibility and communication.

Salary development over time

Salary development for occupational therapists has been positive over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,400 SEK, followed by an increase to 36 600 SEK in 2023 and further to 38 100 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 7.6 percent over the period, slightly above the average for similar healthcare professions. This trend reflects increased demand for the profession, especially due to an aging population and a greater need for rehabilitation. Improved working conditions and labor market needs have also contributed to stable salary improvements for the group.

Occupational therapist salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 38 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 32,700 SEK/month (female, government sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 48,300 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, doctoral education)
• Hourly wage: 229 SEK
• Women earn: 102% of men's salary (women: 38 200 SEK, men: 37 400 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary between urban and rural areas, as well as depending on employer and sector.

Education and qualifications

To work as an occupational therapist, a university-level degree is required. Licensure is issued by the National Board of Health and Welfare after completing the degree, which is mandatory for practicing in the field. The education includes both theoretical components and practical training, with opportunities for further specialization within different fields.

• Formal degree: Occupational therapy program, 3 years (180 hp)
• Licensure: Issued by the National Board of Health and Welfare after graduation
• Practical training (VFU): Included as a mandatory part of the education
• Further education: Possible within areas such as hand rehabilitation or psychiatry
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for higher education studies

Common benefits and allowances

Occupational therapists are often offered benefits such as generous occupational pension, wellness allowance, professional development, and flexible working hours. In some cases, extra vacation days, subsidized lunches, and compensation for unsocial hours may be provided, depending on the employer and sector.

Competition and challenges

The profession of occupational therapy is characterized by high demand and some recruitment difficulties, especially within municipal services and rural areas. Workload can be high, and there are significant demands on managing many cases simultaneously. Challenges may also arise in implementing new work methods and digital solutions, as well as in meeting patients with complex needs. However, competition for positions is relatively low, providing good opportunities for recent graduates to quickly establish themselves in the labor market.

Tips for aspiring occupational therapists

To succeed as an occupational therapist, it is beneficial to have a genuine interest in people and a desire to make a difference in their everyday lives. Good communication skills are essential, as the work involves collaboration with both patients and colleagues from various professions. Being solution-oriented helps in finding individually tailored interventions, while patience and empathy are vital when working with individuals in difficult life situations. Precision facilitates documentation and follow-up, and flexibility makes it easier to handle changes in tasks and routines. Continuously updating knowledge about new methods and research within the field also provides long-term career development.

Key facts about Occupational Therapist

• Education level: University degree (3 years, 180 hp)
• Licensure: Required, issued by the National Board of Health and Welfare
• Work environment: Patient-centered work within healthcare, social care, and schools
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment nationwide
• Number of job openings: 375 (May 2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, an occupational therapist can advance to specialized roles, such as within hand rehabilitation, neurorehabilitation, or psychiatry. There are also opportunities to work in research, education, or as a manager within healthcare organizations. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate that opportunities for employment as an occupational therapist are large, and demand is expected to increase over the next five years, mainly due to an aging population and increased rehabilitation needs. The recruitment situation is characterized by a paradox: there are both recruitment difficulties and some mobility within the profession. Overall, the future outlook is very positive for those choosing to train as an occupational therapist.

Frequently asked questions about Occupational Therapist

• What does an occupational therapist earn?
  - The average salary for an occupational therapist is 38 100 SEK/month, with variations depending on experience, education, and sector.
• How do you become an occupational therapist?
  - A three-year university degree and a license from the National Board of Health and Welfare are required.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 38 200 SEK and men 37 400 SEK, which means women earn 102% of men's salaries.
• What does an occupational therapist do?
  - Occupational therapists support individuals with disabilities to live independent lives through adaptation, rehabilitation, and aids.
• What are the future prospects?
  - Opportunities for employment are plentiful, and demand is expected to increase in the coming years.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for occupational therapists?
  - The highest salary is 48,300 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, doctoral education) and the lowest is 32,700 SEK/month (female, government sector, high school education).
• Where do occupational therapists work?
  - They work in health centers, hospitals, municipal care, schools, and private clinics.