9781422270707

occupational therapists earn a median annual wage of $85,570, according to the US Department of Labor (DOL). Speech-language pathologists earn an average of $79,060, and physicians receive an average of more than $200,000 a year. These wages are higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $45,760. On the other hand, psychiatric technicians earn an average of $36,230, and rehabilitation counselors receive $38,560. Employment in the health-care industry is projected to grow 13 percent from 2021 to 2031, according to the DOL. This is much faster than the average for all careers. The strongest growth is expected in the following occupations: athletic trainers, massage therapists, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants and aides, orthotists and prosthetists, physical therapist assistants and aides, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, and speech-language pathologists. Demand for therapy, rehabilitation, and other health-care professionals will increase because of the growing number of senior citizens, who often need more medical care than younger people do; the growing US population; advances in technology and treatment expertise, which allow for more people to survive injuries and illnesses; and the rise in people being diagnosed with diabetes and/or obesity, which will require physical therapists and other professionals to help patients with these illnesses maintain their mobility and manage the effects of chronic conditions. Job opportunities for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, mental health, rehabilitation, and marriage and family counselors are expected to grow much faster than the average from 2021 to 2031, according to the DOL. Demand is increasing as a result of the growing US population and record levels of stress caused by political instability, poverty, racism, serious damage to the environment, job loss, financial distress, and mental anguish due to the illnesses and deaths of loved ones (including those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic).

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Is a Therapy or Rehabilitation Career for You?