2222 Occupational therapists
Unit group 2222 in the ONS Standard Occupational Classification 2020, with the line the Appendix Skilled Occupations gives it. Not immigration advice.
In short
- ONS unit group 2222, in minor group 222 (Therapy professionals) and major group 2 (Professional occupations).
- Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): On the list: Table 3.
- Going rate as the table prints it:
- Table 3: a national pay scale, set out in the table below.
What the ONS says
Description
Occupational therapists work with people who have a physical or learning disability or mental illness, actively engaging them in purposeful activities in order to maximise self-confidence, independent functioning and well-being.
Typical entry routes
Entrants usually possess A levels/H grades, an HND/HNC, a BTEC/SQA award or equivalent qualifications followed by training on an approved degree scheme necessary for state registration as an occupational therapist. There is a minimum age limit of 18 years to enter training.
Tasks
- considers the physical, psychological and social needs of a patient that may result from illness, injury, congenital condition or lifestyle problems
- devises, designs, initiates and monitors carefully selected and graded treatments and activities as part of the assessment and intervention process
- liaises with a wide variety of other professionals in planning and reviewing ongoing treatments
- trains students and supervises the work of occupational therapy assistants
- makes home visits to clients, families and carers to organise support and rehabilitation and assist them to deal and cope with disability
- counsels clients in ways to promote a healthy lifestyle, prevention of illness and/or preparation for coping with increasing stages of illness
- maintains patient records, manages caseloads
Related job titles
- Community occupational therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Paediatric occupational therapist
What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says
The Appendix lists this code in the table below, with the table’s own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.
Table 3: Eligible health and education SOC 2020 occupation codes where going rates are based on national pay scales
- SOC 2020 occupation code
- 2222 Occupational therapists
- Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)
- 2222
- Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)
- Community occupational therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Paediatric occupational therapist
- Going rate (annual)
- See relevant pay band in Table 4
Table 4: Going rates for listed healthcare SOC 2020 occupation codes by administration and band
| Band or equivalent | England | Scotland | Wales | Northern Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Band 3 | £24,071 | £26,869 | £24,433 | £22,816 |
| Band 4 | £26,530 | £29,116 | £26,928 | £25,147 |
| Band 5 | £29,970 | £31,892 | £30,420 | £28,407 |
| Band 6 | £37,338 | £39,912 | £37,898 | £35,392 |
| Band 7 | £46,148 | £48,788 | £46,840 | £43,742 |
| Band 8a | £53,755 | £60,126 | £54,550 | £50,952 |
| Band 8b | £62,215 | £70,986 | £63,150 | £58,972 |
| Band 8c | £74,290 | £83,837 | £75,405 | £70,417 |
| Band 8d | £88,168 | £99,534 | £89,491 | £83,571 |
| Band 9 | £105,385 | £117,732 | £106,967 | £99,891 |
Other unit groups in minor group 222
- 2221 Physiotherapists
- 2223 Speech and language therapists
- 2224 Psychotherapists and cognitive behaviour therapists
- 2225 Clinical psychologists
- 2226 Other psychologists
- 2229 Therapy professionals n.e.c.
Sources
Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.
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