FAQ's about a career in occupational therapy

How much does an occupational therapist get paid?

Are there plenty of job opportunities?

Is NZAOT a Union?

 

How much does an occupational therapist get paid?

This is a complex question to answer because of the myriad employing agencies and the range of jobs for occupational therapists. The information in the table below is taken from the Salaries in DHBs link (below right), for more explanation please go to the link.

 

Band/Position	Step			Band/Position	Step
Graduate to Experienced Clinicians	1	$44,562		Advanced Clinician Advanced Practitioner Designated Positions	7	$66,437
	2	$48,238			8	$68,483
	3	$51,246			9	$71,496
	4	$54,143			10	$75,656
	5	$60,159			11	$79,441
	6	$62,725			12	$82,952
					13	$86,463
					14	$88,452
					15	$91,448

As part of the DHB MECA agreement, employees are entitled to a refund of 80% of their professional association fees.

On the right hand menu - there are links to the current collective agreements for staff employed in Distict Health Boards (DHB) and in Group Special Education (GSE).

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Are there plenty of job opportunities?

Anecdotally and through government surveys there appears to be plenty of opportunities ongoing for a career in occupational therapy. See our Vacancy section for a snap shot. Vacancies are also advertised in our member's monthly magazine, the OT Insight.

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Is NZAOT a Union?

No - NZAOT is not a union, we are the professional association for occupational therapists in New Zealand. There are a number of unions which represent occupational therapists. The following three unions represent occupational therapists within different employment sectors:

The New Zealand Public Health Service Association - represents employees within the public sector of NZ

National Union of Public Employees - represents employees within the public sector of NZ

NZ Educational Institute - represents employees within the education sector of NZ

 

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If you have a question about a career in occupational therapy and you have not found the answer from the Career or Occupational Therapy Programme pages please contact us.