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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.

As part of the DHB MECA agreement, PSA members are entitled to a refund of up to $409 of their NZAOT subscription.

Band/Position	Step		Band/Position	Step
Graduate to Experienced Clinicians	1	$45,453	Advanced Clinician Advanced Practitioner Designated Positions	7	$67,766
	2	$49,203		8	$69,853
	3	$52,271		9	$72,926
	4	$55,226		10	$77,169
	5	$61,362		11	$81,030
	6	$63,980		12	$84,611
Progression through the scale from step 1 to 5 shall be by way of automatic progression. See full details in MECA Agreement for additional progression.				13	$88,192
				14	$90,221
				15	$93,277

On 1 May, 2012, there will be 2% increase.

On the right hand menu - there are links to the current collective agreements for staff employed in District 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.