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The average occupational therapist salary in Canada is $70,000-$95,000 per year. This guide breaks down OT pay by province, practice setting, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Salary by Province
| Province | Entry Level | Experienced | Senior/Manager |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $68,000 | $88,000 | $105,000 |
| British Columbia | $70,000 | $90,000 | $108,000 |
| Alberta | $75,000 | $95,000 | $115,000 |
| Quebec | $60,000 | $78,000 | $92,000 |
| Saskatchewan | $68,000 | $85,000 | $100,000 |
| Manitoba | $65,000 | $82,000 | $98,000 |
| Nova Scotia | $62,000 | $78,000 | $92,000 |
| New Brunswick | $60,000 | $75,000 | $90,000 |
| Newfoundland | $65,000 | $82,000 | $95,000 |
| PEI | $58,000 | $72,000 | $88,000 |
| Territories | $85,000+ | $105,000 | $125,000 |
Salary by Practice Setting
| Setting | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Hospital (Acute Care) | $72,000-$92,000 |
| Rehabilitation Centre | $70,000-$90,000 |
| Community Health | $68,000-$85,000 |
| School Board | $70,000-$90,000 |
| Mental Health | $70,000-$88,000 |
| Private Practice | $85,000-$140,000 |
| Home Health | $72,000-$92,000 |
| Long-Term Care | $68,000-$85,000 |
| Insurance/Medico-legal | $85,000-$120,000 |
| Ergonomics/Corporate | $80,000-$110,000 |
Salary by Experience
| Experience | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| New Graduate (0-2 years) | $65,000-$75,000 |
| 2-5 years | $75,000-$88,000 |
| 5-10 years | $85,000-$100,000 |
| 10+ years | $95,000-$115,000 |
| Manager/Director | $100,000-$130,000 |
Salary by Specialization
| Specialization | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Pediatric | $75,000-$95,000 |
| Hand Therapy | $80,000-$105,000 |
| Mental Health | $72,000-$90,000 |
| Neuro Rehabilitation | $78,000-$98,000 |
| Geriatric | $72,000-$90,000 |
| Driving Rehabilitation | $80,000-$100,000 |
| Workplace/Ergonomics | $82,000-$110,000 |
| Medico-legal/Assessments | $90,000-$130,000 |
Take-Home Pay (Ontario Example)
| Gross Salary | Annual Take-Home | Monthly Net |
|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $56,500 | $4,710 |
| $90,000 | $66,000 | $5,500 |
| $110,000 | $78,500 | $6,540 |
Private Practice Income
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Session Rate | $130-$200/session |
| Assessment Rate | $300-$800+ |
| Sessions/Week | 20-30 (full practice) |
| Gross Revenue | $130,000-$280,000 |
| Overhead (25-35%) | $32,500-$98,000 |
| Net Income | $90,000-$180,000 |
Benefits (Hospital/Public)
| Benefit | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Pension | HOOPP/OMERS (defined benefit) |
| Health/Dental | 100% employer-paid |
| Sick Leave | 12-18 days/year |
| Vacation | 3-5 weeks |
| Prof Development | $1,500-$2,500/year |
Education Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree | Master of Occupational Therapy |
| Duration | 2-2.5 years (post-undergrad) |
| Undergraduate | Any (often Health Sci) |
| Exam | NOTCE (National OT Certification Exam) |
| Licensure | Provincial registration required |
Is Occupational Therapy a Good Career in Canada?
Pros:
- Strong demand, excellent job security
- Meaningful client impact
- Variety of practice settings
- Private practice potential
- Good work-life balance
- Growing specializations
Cons:
- Master’s degree required
- Competitive program entry
- Documentation burden
- Physical demands (some settings)
- Insurance/funding limitations
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