Occupational Therapists
The short answer
Parts of this job are expected to change. AI can already assist with some of its tasks. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade, with about 877 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the middle fifth for how much AI could touch it—right around the middle.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a third of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the middle fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
The score comes from the real, day-to-day tasks of this job—not a guess about the job as a whole. Below are the tasks that matter most in this job, split by whether AI can help with them.
AI can help with or automate about 47% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Test and evaluate patients' physical and mental abilities and analyze medical data to determine realistic rehabilitation goals for patients.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Complete and maintain necessary records.
AI could do much of this on its own
Recommend appropriate mobility devices or systems, such as human guides, dog guides, long canes, electronic travel aids (ETAs), and other adaptive mobility devices (AMDs).
AI could help, but needs extra software
Evaluate patients' progress and prepare reports that detail progress.
AI could do much of this on its own
Develop rehabilitation or instructional plans collaboratively with clients, based on results of assessments, needs, and goals.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Teach cane skills, including cane use with a guide, diagonal techniques, and two-point touches.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Plan, organize, and conduct occupational therapy programs in hospital, institutional, or community settings to help rehabilitate persons with disabilities because of illness, injury or psychological or developmental problems.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Train clients with visual impairments to use mobility devices or systems, such as human guides, dog guides, electronic travel aids (ETAs), and other adaptive mobility devices (AMDs).
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Plan and implement programs and social activities to help patients learn work or school skills and adjust to handicaps.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Select activities that will help individuals learn work and life-management skills within limits of their mental or physical capabilities.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
See related jobs in
The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.
Registered Nurses
Very similar work+14% pay14,445 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 14% more—$112,504 vs your $99,085 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Psychology
- Customer and Personal Service
- Therapy and Counseling
- Education and Training
- English Language
New skills to build
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
Physical Therapists
Very similar work+4% pay1,011 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 4% more—$103,479 vs your $99,085 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a doctoral or professional degree.
Getting ready typically takes more than four years.
Skills you already have
- Psychology
- Therapy and Counseling
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- Oral Expression
New skills to build
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Physics
- Biology
- Manual Dexterity
Physicians, All Other
Very similar work+152% pay528 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 152% more—$249,284 vs your $99,085 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a doctoral or professional degree, plus internship/residency.
Getting ready typically takes more than four years.
Skills you already have
- Education and Training
- Psychology
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Therapy and Counseling
New skills to build
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Science
- Personnel and Human Resources
Respiratory Therapists
Very similar work+12% pay517 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 12% more—$110,829 vs your $99,085 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires an associate's degree.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- Psychology
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
New skills to build
- Chemistry
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Quality Control Analysis
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Somewhat similar workslightly less pay1,503 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$91,813 vs your $99,085 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Psychology
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Therapy and Counseling
New skills to build
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Administrative