APR 16 · 2026TAKEOVER METER
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Role File · Safe Haven

Occupational Therapist.

Helps patients develop life and work skills. Very low automation risk.

US workers

148K

Avg. salary

$86K

AI risk

10%

Horizon

15+ years

Assessment

Where this role sits on the index.

Automation risk10%

Largely insulated from near-term automation. A safe haven in the current data.

The Brief

What's at stake.

Occupational therapists help patients regain independence. The human interaction and personalized approach are essential. AI provides tools but can't replace the therapist.

Task Analysis

Where the work goes.

AI will handle

  • 01Document progress
  • 02Assess abilities

You stay relevant

  • 01Teach skills
  • 02Adapt environments
  • 03Provide support

Stay ahead

The playbook.

Required

Core skills

  • Clinical knowledge
  • Creativity
  • Empathy
  • Problem-solving
  • Communication

Emerging

Future skills

  • Advanced specialization
  • Research
  • Leadership

Leverage

Learn AI as a multiplier

Mastering the tools that automate parts of this role is the most reliable way to stay in demand.

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Sources

How we built this file.

01Bureau of Labor Statistics
02AOTA

Diagnostic

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