How much does an occupational therapist earn?
Occupational therapists help people shape everyday life, school, work and leisure as independently as possible despite illness, injury or impairment. Training is usually a three-year school-based programme with practical placements; afterwards they work in practices, hospitals, rehab, schools or social facilities. Gross pay depends on region, collective agreements (e.g. TVöD), employer and specialisation. As a guide, qualified occupational therapists in Germany in 2026 often earn about €3,100–€3,700 gross per month; in training around €900–€1,200 is typical where a training allowance is paid.
Salary by region (gross/month)
Guide figures as of 2026. Actual pay depends on employer, region, collective agreement, experience, specialisation and working-time model and is not a guarantee. The training column refers to school-based training phases with pay or typical training/internship allowances – a training allowance is not paid everywhere.
Further training options
Job and everyday work
Occupational therapists work in practices, hospitals, rehab facilities, schools and social services. Everyday work combines assessment, everyday-oriented therapy, assistive-device advice and close coordination with patients, relatives and the multiprofessional team – with a focus on participation and independence.
- Systematically assess everyday skills and participation: agree findings, goals and treatment plans with patients and relatives.
- Train motor skills, perception, cognition and action planning – from self-care to school, work and leisure.
- Advise on assistive devices, adapt home and workplace settings, and practise compensation strategies.
- Keep documentation, progress checks and coordination with physicians and the interprofessional team reliable.
- Collaborate multiprofessionally in practices, hospitals, rehab, schools or facilities with physiotherapy, speech therapy, nursing and doctors.
- Run group therapy, work with parents and relatives, and shape prevention and health promotion.
