Occupational therapists
Occupation · NOC 2021 31203 · Canada
- NOC 2021 code
- 31203
- TEER
- 1
- Positions on positive LMIAs, all lists
- 11
- Median wage, Canada
- C$46.00 per hour
- Job Bank postings, Jan–Sep 2026
- 1,072
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About this occupation
Occupational therapists develop individual and group programs with people affected by illness, injury, developmental disorders, emotional or psychological problems and aging to maintain, restore or increase their ability to care for themselves and to engage in work, school or leisure. They also develop and implement health promotion programs with individuals, community groups and employers. They are employed in health care facilities, in schools, and by private and social services agencies, or they may be self-employed.
Example job titles
- case manager occupational therapist
- clinical occupational therapist
- community occupational therapist
- occupational therapist (OT)
- occupational therapy rehabilitation consultant
- research and development occupational therapist
Main duties
- This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Analyse clients' capabilities and expectations related to life activities through observation, interviews and formal assessments
- Develop intervention programs to address clients' needs related to self-care, work and leisure activities
- Maintain clients' records
- Establish personalized care plans working as a member of an interdisciplinary team
- Consult and advise on health promotion programs to prevent disabilities and to maximize independent function in all activities of life
- May supervise support personnel and students and provide training.
- Occupational therapists may specialize in working with specific populations such as children or adults, or persons with distinct problems such as dementia, traumatic brain injury and chronic pain, or provide special interventions such as return-to-work programs.
Employment requirements
- A university degree in occupational therapy including supervised fieldwork is required.
- Completion of a national or provincial certification examination is required.
- Licensure with a regulatory body is required in all provinces and territories.
- Membership in the national association, Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists, is required in some provinces.
- Occupational therapists may obtain expertise in a particular area through additional training or experience.
Temporary foreign worker positions (LMIA)
Positions on positive LMIAs in ESDC employer lists, by year of the list.
Approved positions by year
Data table
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 5 |
- Alberta Health Services2
- Creative Rehabilitation Services Ltd.2
- Infinity Health LLP1
- Canadian Back Institute Operating Limited Partnership1
- Back in Motion Rehab Inc.1
- WonderKids Therapy for Children1
- Villa Medica inc1
- Honeybee Pediatric Therapy Inc1
- Symbiosis Pediatric Therapy Inc.1
Permanent residence
Admissions of permanent residents by intended occupation and Express Entry invitations by occupation (IRCC).
New permanent residents by year
Data table
| 2015 | 10 |
| 2025 | 10 |
- Federal Skilled Worker75
- Canadian Experience Class60
- Provincial Nominee Program25
Wages
Median wage by province and territory (2025 release). Hourly unless marked per year.
| Area | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | C$36.17 | C$46.00 | C$55.00 |
| Alberta | C$39.00 | C$48.08 | C$52.25 |
| British Columbia | C$30.00 | C$50.00 | C$66.91 |
| Manitoba | C$38.00 | C$39.90 | C$48.08 |
| New Brunswick | C$38.00 | C$45.00 | C$50.00 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | C$37.60 | C$45.70 | C$51.39 |
| Nova Scotia | C$33.28 | C$42.80 | C$49.74 |
| Ontario | C$33.33 | C$45.00 | C$55.90 |
| Quebec | C$37.00 | C$46.00 | C$55.00 |
| Saskatchewan | C$32.00 | C$45.00 | C$50.00 |
- Job Bank postings, Jan–Sep 2026
- 1,072
- Vacancies advertised
- 2,149
- Median advertised minimum hourly wage
- C$38.24
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