Explore Australia’s booming OT job market, with high demand in NDIS and aged care, salaries up to $105,000, and step-by-step guidance on skilled migration, including visas and skills assessments for overseas therapists.

Introduction

Australia faces a growing need for occupational therapists, with government projections showing a 7.1% demand increase from 2021 to 2026 due to an aging population and expanded disability services. This creates strong opportunities for skilled professionals. The job market offers competitive salaries, diverse roles in urban and regional areas, and pathways for international migration. Occupational therapists help people overcome functional limitations from illnesses or disabilities, enabling daily independence. This article examines the occupational therapy job market in Australia and outlines how to build a solid migration case, from skills assessments to visa options.

The Occupational Therapy Job Market in Australia

Occupational therapists in Australia enjoy a robust job outlook, driven by healthcare expansions like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and rising aged care needs. Employers seek OTs for roles in rehabilitation, mental health, paediatrics, and community support. The profession grew by 72% in the last decade, adding over 10,000 positions, yet shortages persist, especially in rural and regional areas. Regional occupational therapy jobs in Australia often come with incentives, such as relocation bonuses or higher pay, to address these gaps.

Salaries reflect this demand. An occupational therapist salary in Australia averages $90,000 to $105,000 annually, with new graduates starting at $70,000 to $80,000 plus superannuation. Experienced OTs can earn up to $97,177 on average, varying by location and sector. In high-demand fields like NDIS occupational therapist jobs or aged care occupational therapist in Australia, packages may include benefits like professional development funding.

Job availability remains strong. Over 380 occupational therapist positions were listed nationwide in November 2025, with steady annual growth of 2,600 jobs. Sectors show variety: paediatric occupational therapist roles in Australia focus on child development, while mental health occupational therapist positions address emotional well-being. Allied health jobs in Australia, including OT, cluster in capital cities (64% of workers), but rural incentives encourage moves to underserved areas. The occupational therapist demand in Australia ties to broader trends, like increased mental health awareness and post-pandemic recovery needs.

How to Prepare Your Migration Case as an Occupational Therapist

Overseas qualified occupational therapists eyeing Australia must navigate a structured migration process. Start with a skills assessment from the Occupational Therapy Council (OTC), formerly AOTC, which evaluates qualifications against ANZSCO 252411 Occupational Therapist standards. This assessment confirms your education and experience align with Australian requirements, essential for occupational therapist skilled migration to Australia.

Next, secure registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (OTBA) via AHPRA. AHPRA registration for occupational therapists demands proof of competence, often including a Certificate of Competence Assessment (COCA) from OTC. Occupational therapy registration requirements in Australia include demonstrating at least one year of relevant work experience.

English language requirements for occupational therapist visas are strict. Achieve proficient scores: IELTS 7 overall, OET B in each component, PTE 65, or TOEFL 94. These tests ensure you communicate effectively in clinical settings.

Visa pathways abound. The occupational therapist skilled occupation list in Australia includes SOL and CSOL, with OTs on the Core Skills Occupation List. Options like the 190 visa for occupational therapists require state nomination, while the 491 visa targets regional areas. Employer-sponsored routes, such as the 482 TSS visa or 186 visa for occupational therapists, suit those with job offers. Submit an EOI via SkillSelect, aiming for 65 points in the occupational therapist points test in Australia. State nomination for occupational therapists boosts points, especially in high-demand states.

Prepare documents meticulously: qualifications, work references, and labour market testing if employer-sponsored. Migrating as an occupational therapist to Australia demands planning, but success opens doors to rewarding careers.

Key Opportunities and Challenges in the Australian OT Landscape

Opportunities extend beyond standard roles. NDIS occupational therapist jobs emphasize personalized support for disabilities, while aged care focuses on elderly independence. Paediatric and mental health sectors grow, with telehealth options expanding access. Rural and regional occupational therapist incentives in Australia, like financial bonuses, attract talent to remote areas where demand outpaces supply.

Challenges include workforce distribution. Despite growth, rural shortages persist, requiring policy shifts. Overseas therapists face competency assessments, but streamlined processes help. The occupational therapist job outlook in Australia remains positive, with 58% full-time employment and projections for continued expansion. Stay updated via OTBA newsletters for registration data and trends.

Adapting to local practices, like NDIS frameworks, enhances employability. Network through Occupational Therapy Australia for job leads and professional support.

Conclusion

Australia’s occupational therapist job market offers high demand, competitive salaries, and diverse roles, ideal for skilled migrants. Prepare your case by securing OTC assessments, AHPRA registration, and the right visa. Act now—consult migration experts or submit your EOI to start your journey toward a fulfilling career down under.