Workforce
Registration, growth, distribution, and practice settings of occupational therapists across Australia.
34,423
Total Registered Occupational Therapists
Quarterly registration data to 30 June 2025. Includes 33,195 general and 961 non-practising registrations. 236 identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (0.7%).
171%
Registration Growth (2013-2023)
From 15,769 in 2013 to 29,473 in March 2023. Sixth-largest regulated health profession, comprising 3.5% of the total healthcare workforce.
1:760
Practitioner-to-Population Ratio
Calculated from 34,423 registrants and estimated 26.2M population. Density is significantly lower in rural and remote areas.
43%
Working in Private Sector
44.1% in public sector. Disability services is the fastest-growing OT specialisation, absorbing 9% more practitioners from 2013-2023.
33.3 hrs
Average Weekly Hours Worked
Ranges from 29.2 hrs (solo private practice) to 37.2 hrs (community services). About 58% work full-time.
~11%
Working in Rural or Remote Areas
OT density highest in metropolitan areas (Modified Monash 1) and decreases sharply with remoteness. 28% of Australians live in rural/remote areas.
7.1%
Projected Employment Growth (2021-2026)
Classified as moderate yet sustainable growth. Health Care and Social Assistance projected to grow +12.3% to 2030 and +22.9% to 2035.
Registered Occupational Therapists by State/Territory
| State/Territory | Registrations | % of National Total |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | 9,576 | 27.8% |
| VIC | 8,727 | 25.3% |
| QLD | 6,536 | 19.0% |
| WA | 4,412 | 12.8% |
| SA | 2,681 | 7.8% |
| TAS | 748 | 2.2% |
| ACT | 682 | 2.0% |
| NT | 304 | 0.9% |
| No PPP | 757 | 2.2% |
Medicare, NDIS & Services
NDIS pricing, participant data, and Medicare rebates relevant to occupational therapy practice in Australia. The NDIS is a major funding source for OT services.
$193.99/hr
NDIS OT Hourly Price Cap (MMM 1-5)
Therapy support rate frozen since 2019 — now in its seventh consecutive year without increase. Higher rates apply for remote (MMM 6) and very remote (MMM 7) areas.
646,449
Active NDIS Participants
As at 31 December 2025. OT is one of the most commonly accessed therapy supports under Improved Daily Living Skills.
$46.3B
Total NDIS Scheme Payments (Annual)
Total scheme payments for the 12 months to 30 June 2025. Capacity building supports (including therapy) represent approximately 12% of total payments.
$58.00
Medicare CDM Rebate per OT Session (Item 10958)
Flat fee for services of at least 20 minutes under a GP management plan. Up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year shared across all allied health professions.
55%
OT Businesses That Failed to Profit (NDIS)
Survey of 600+ OT businesses. 14% planning to close; a further 50% considering exiting the NDIS within three years.
Demographics
Gender, age, and workforce background of Australia's occupational therapy profession.
90.6%
Female Practitioners
Male representation at 9.4%. One of the most female-dominated regulated health professions in Australia, with a small but increasing male share over the past decade.
34 years
Average Age of Practitioners
51% of practitioners are aged 20-34. OT has a relatively young workforce profile driven by high graduate entry rates.
0.7%
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander OTs
236 occupational therapists identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander as at 30 June 2025.
26,700+
Internationally Qualified Practitioners Registered (All Professions, 2024-25)
Across all 16 AHPRA-regulated professions. The OT Board has introduced streamlined pathways for internationally qualified occupational therapists following the Kruk review.
Sources
Verified directly from source| Awaiting verification