Health & Medicine
Occupational Therapist
You help people do everyday activities again, dressing, working, learning, playing.
- Starting salary
- R25 000 – R36 000
- Job demand
- Steady demand
- Key subjects
- Life Sciences, Mathematics
What do they do?
You help people do everyday activities again, dressing, working, learning, playing.
A day in the life
You assess daily skills, create creative therapy activities and adapt homes, schools or workplaces.
Skills you need
- Creativity
- Empathy
- Problem solving
- Observation
School subjects that help
- Life Sciences
- Mathematics
- English
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 3–6 years of study, plus practical experience.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2BSc Occupational Therapy
- 3Community service
- 4OT
Ways in: University degree · Professional registration (HPCSA). University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- University of Cape Town
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Pretoria
- Stellenbosch University
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of the Free State
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R25 000 – R36 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R38 000 – R58 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R60 000 – R95 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Volunteer with children with disabilities
- • Invent a tool that makes a daily task easier
- • Learn about the senses
Try this career
Invent a simple tool that helps someone with one hand make a sandwich.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.