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136. OT Pay in 2026: Why Occupational Therapists Are Still Underpaid and the One Shift That Changes Everything

You studied for years.
 You carry complex caseloads.
 You change people’s lives.

So why does your pay as an occupational therapist still feel… limited?

In this episode of OT Yourself to Freedom Podcast, Beki dives into the reality of OT salaries in 2026, and why so many occupational therapists feel financially capped despite their skills and experience.

This is an honest conversation about money in healthcare, the trade-off between income and fulfilment, and the one shift that can change how you earn completely.

In this episode, you’ll learn:Why occupational therapists are still underpaid in 2026

• The real reason OT income has a ceiling in traditional roles

• Why moving up bands or into management doesn’t always solve it

• The hidden cost of trading time for money in healthcare

• What “security” in an OT job really means

• The shift from selling time to selling transformation

• How private pay and online business models change your earning potential

Who this is for:

This episode is for occupational therapists who:
 • Feel underpaid or financially stretched
 • Are questioning their long-term career progression
 • Want to earn more without burning out
 • Are curious about alternative income streams or online business

 

Connect with Beki

Are you ready to leave the whinger mindset behind and embrace your inner go-getter? Beki helps OTs worldwide design, launch, and scale their online business

Free Resource: Download Beki’s free overnight mindset meditation for free to help you build confidence, overcome money mindset challenges, and develop self-belief.

Join OT Yourself To Freedom Membership:

Discover the only membership designed specifically for OTs to create freedom-based businesses by leveraging the skills you already have. Learn to design and sell  offers, market effectively, and align your work with your purpose.

 

Follow Beki:

Book an Inspiration Call: Click here

 

About the Host

Beki Eakins is a business mindset and lifestyle coach for occupational therapists. After leaving traditional OT practice, she has helped hundreds of OTs worldwide design aligned online businesses that support freedom, income, and purpose, without burning out.