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Rehabilitation Therapist, Therapist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Occupational therapists (OTs) work with individuals, groups, communities, educational, and health systems. They work collaboratively with clients to solve problems that interfere with taking part in daily activities. In general, this involves:
Intervention plans may include:
OTs may:
Some OTs specialize in working with certain age groups or with clients who have specific concerns such as arthritis, mental wellness, or spinal cord injuries. OTs may supervise assistants.
Most occupational therapists work standard office hours. However, some positions require evening and weekend work. In clinical settings, they may do a lot of standing, bending, and assisting patients.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in consulting with members on interdisciplinary teams to establish personalized care plans, and to advise on health promotion programs
Interest in co-ordinating information to develop intervention programs to address client needs related to self-care, work and leisure activities
Interest in manipulating and maintaining equipment used in programs involving manual and creative arts, industrial and vocational skills, and recreational activities
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Occupational therapists need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 48 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 23, 2021 and Jun 17, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Analyse clients' capabilities and expectations related to life activities through observation, interviews and formal assessments | 41 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Develop and implement treatment programs | 35 |
| Tasks: Maintain clinical and progress reports | 33 |
| Tasks: Evaluate treatment progress | 32 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 31 |
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 31 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 31 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent written communication | 30 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 29 |
| Construction Specialization: Flexibility | 29 |
Occupational therapists (OTs) must complete an accredited occupational therapy program. The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists will grant academic accreditation only to OT programs that lead to a master’s degree in occupational therapy.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Occupational therapists enable clients to participate in the activities of everyday life. Their clients experience obstacles due to impairments of body structure, changes in function, mental or emotional challenges, or barriers in the social and physical environment.
Under Alberta’s Health Professions Act [pdf], Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation [pdf], and Occupational Therapists Profession Regulation [pdf], registration with the Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (ACOT) is mandatory. Only registered members may provide restricted activities specified in the Regulations. This includes those who:
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Occupational Therapist.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Occupational therapists (OTs) may work for:
OTs in public or private practice may offer services such as medical or legal evaluations. Those who are self-employed often consult for various levels of government.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Occupational therapists
2016 NOC: 3143
86.6% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
For information about current collective agreements in the public and not-for-profit sectors, see the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $22.53 | $42.53 | $37.09 | $38.14 |
| Overall | $31.32 | $52.45 | $46.23 | $47.49 |
| Top | $50.78 | $65.93 | $54.36 | $50.78 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $80,825 |
|---|---|
| Educational Services | $90,457 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $80,114 |
Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (ACOT) website: www.acot.ca
Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) website: caot.ca
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: www.hsaa.ca
Society of Occupational Therapists (SAOT) website: www.saot.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
