Occupational Therapist Salary Guide (2026)
Before you name a number, know the number. A occupational therapist in the UK usually earns £31k–£37k starting out, £37k–£46k mid-career and £49k–£51k at senior level. Figures are UK full-time gross annual pay from the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2025, occupation code 2222.
Occupational Therapist salary in the UK
Annual gross base pay in local currency (thousands). Treat them as a guide, not a promise: the same job title pays differently by company, by city and by what you can evidence.
- United Kingdom: entry £31k–£37k, mid £37k–£46k, senior £49k–£51k
How to use salary data in interviews
The pay question is the one people fluff, usually by answering it too fast and too low. Pick your band before the call. Aim at the mid-to-senior end when you can point to the impact behind it. Then say the figure out loud a few times, because it sounds very different in your mouth than it does in your head.
Frequently asked questions
What does a senior occupational therapist earn in the UK?
Senior occupational therapist roles in the UK usually pay £49k–£51k gross a year. Your total package can sit higher once bonus and equity are counted.
Do these figures include bonus and equity?
No. These are base salary bands only. What you actually take home can be a lot higher once bonus, commission and equity land, especially in tech, finance and sales.