Do you enjoy problem solving and coming up with creative solutions? Do you have the patience and empathy to work with children and help them become more independent? If so, you might consider becoming a pediatric occupational therapist.
In pediatric occupational therapy, you’ll have the opportunity to help children relearn and improve important coordination and motor skills so they can perform essential daily tasks more confidently.
Learn how to become a pediatric occupational therapist, including educational requirements and job responsibilities.
What Is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist?
A pediatric occupational therapist (OT) works with children and adolescents with cognitive, mental and physical limitations to improve their fine motor skills so they can perform everyday tasks, such as walking and grabbing items.
Pediatric occupational therapists help clients develop and improve skills they need to be more independent in their everyday environments.1 Occupational therapy helps them build more confidence so they can complete tasks on their own.
What Do Pediatric Occupational Therapists Do? 
Pediatric occupational therapists work in a variety of environments, including rehabilitation clinics, hospitals and schools. Some job duties will differ depending on the setting, but these are the most common responsibilities for pediatric occupational therapists1,2:
- Observe clients and perform assessments: Review a client’s medical history before the initial visit, then assess the client’s condition and limitations.
- Develop rehabilitation plans: Pediatric OTs must create rehabilitation plans for each client, including goals and exercises. Adjust goals and treatment plans based on the client’s progress.
- Work with clients: Demonstrate exercises and activities to help the client improve their motor and coordination skills.
- Monitor client progress: Record client progress with their treatment plan.
- Provide at-home activities: Provide parents and guardians with activities to complete with the client at home.
- Travel to client homes: Visit the child’s environments, like home and school, to make sure accommodations are in place.
Pediatric OTs are cheerleaders for their clients, encouraging them every time they reach a goal in their treatment plan.
Five Steps to Becoming a Pediatric Occupational Therapist
| Field of study | Occupational therapy |
| Degree3 | Master’s and higher |
| Certification | National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) |
| Specialization | Pediatrics |
| Median annual salary (2024)3† | $98,340 (all occupational therapists) |
| Job outlook (2024-2034)3 | 14% growth (all occupational therapists) |
| Number of jobs (2024)3 | 160,000 (all occupational therapists) |
There are educational and experiential requirements to become a pediatric occupational therapist. Follow these five steps to open the doors to a career in pediatric occupational therapy.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree and Complete Fieldwork Experiences
First, you will need to earn a four-year undergraduate degree to qualify for a master’s degree program in occupational therapy.
Consider majoring in the following fields during your undergraduate program:
- Pre-occupational therapy
- Psychology
- Biology
- Kinesiology
- Physiology
- Education
- Child Development
You may also choose to complete an internship during your undergraduate program. Search for internships in occupational therapy clinics, schools, nursing homes and rehabilitation clinics.
Step 2: Apply to Graduate School
You’ll need to apply to a master’s program in occupational therapy after completing your undergraduate degree. The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program offers Residential, Hybrid Immersion and Flex pathways to align with your lifestyle. Students learn online and during immersive, on-campus experiences.
If you are looking to pursue advanced roles in leadership, advocacy or policy, you may consider earning a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD).
The MOT or OTD program you choose should hold accreditation status, which means it complies with the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) standards. You can check if your MOT or OTD program is accredited on the ACOTE school directory.4
Step 3: Take the NBCOT Exam
After you successfully complete your graduate program, you’ll take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.5 To be eligible for the exam, you must complete an accredited MOT program and submit official transcripts. After you pass the NBCOT, you’ll be certified to apply for state licensure.
Step 4: Obtain State Licensure
You’ll need to obtain state licensure to practice occupational therapy in your state. Requirements vary by state, so we recommend visiting your state board website for specific information.
Step 5: Gain Pediatric Certification
After you receive your state licensure, you can legally practice occupational therapy in your state. You may go a step further and get certified in pediatric occupational therapy.
Pediatric occupational therapy certification will strengthen your application for open positions in the pediatric field and give you an advantage in job interviews.6 You can apply to earn a Board Certification in Pediatrics (BCP) through the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). You’ll be required to complete an exam to test your knowledge of pediatric OT. Take a look at the other certification eligibility requirements before applying.7
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are commonly asked questions about becoming a pediatric occupational therapist.
What Is an Average Pediatric Occupational Therapist Salary?
The salary for a pediatric occupational therapist position will vary depending on location and certifications. The median annual salary for all occupational therapists in 2024 was $98,340.3†
Currently, the average annual pay for a pediatric occupational therapist in 2026 is $71,861.8*†
What Skills Do You Need to Be a Pediatric Occupational Therapist?
The skills required for pediatric occupational therapy are similar to the skills needed for occupational therapy, including9:
- Time management
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Patience
- Empathy
- Creativity
- Organization
Great pediatric occupational therapists also continue to grow their knowledge in the field, especially about new health advancements and treatments.
How Do Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Differ?
There’s a big difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy. Although both are rehabilitative sciences, occupational therapy aims to improve a client’s ability to perform everyday tasks, while physical therapy aims to improve a patient’s range of motion and pain management.
Earn Your Master of Occupational Therapy with USAHS
Are you interested in pursuing a rewarding career in pediatric occupational therapy? USAHS offers graduate programs in occupational therapy, including a Master of Occupational Therapy program. Our MOT program stands out for its immersive lab opportunities and real-world clinical experiences.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, contact an enrollment advisor and learn how to become a pediatric occupational therapist.
*The information provided on this website is based on self-reported data and is intended for general informational purposes only. PayScale is a limited data source that relies on voluntary submissions from individuals and employers. Please be aware that the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the data may vary due to its voluntary nature and limited scope. While efforts are made to maintain the data’s accuracy, we cannot guarantee its absolute correctness or currency.
†This data represents national figures, is not based on school-specific data and represents national median annual wages, not starting pay for recent grads. Conditions in your area may vary. USAHS does not guarantee salary levels.
Sources:
-
- “Pediatric Occupational Therapy,” Cleveland Clinic, June 21, 2023, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25094-pediatric-occupational-therapy.
- “What Is the Job Description of a Pediatric Therapist?,” Learn.org, 2026, https://learn.org/articles/What_is_the_Job_Description_of_a_Pediatric_Therapist.html.
- “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Occupational Therapists,” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), August 28, 2025, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm.
- “School Directory,” Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), https://acoteonline.org/schools/.
- “Board Certified Practitioners,” NBCOT, https://www.nbcot.org/.
- “Board Certification in Pediatrics,” American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 2026, https://www.aota.org/career/advanced-certification-program/pediatrics.
- “Advanced certification eligibility criteria” American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 2026, https://www.aota.org/career/advanced-certification-program/eligibility-requirements.
- “Average Pediatric Occupational Therapist Salary,” Payscale, last modified May 4, 2026, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Pediatric_Occupational_Therapist/Salary.
- “How to Become a Pediatric Occupational Therapist (With Job Details),” Indeed, December 15, 2025, https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-pediatric-occupational-therapist.
