Thinking of Buying an Occupational Therapy Service in Australia? Here Are 3 Vital Questions to Ask

The Australian occupational health and safety services industry, which overlaps with occupational therapy services, generated $2.8 billion in revenue in 2024 with profit margins averaging 15.4%. The sector employed more than 15,700 people across nearly 2,900 enterprises.

Revenue is projected to rise modestly at 1.9% annually through 2029, reaching $3.1 billion. Growth will be driven by ageing demographics, rising workplace mental health requirements, and increasing complexity in compliance standards. However, competition is high, with many businesses moving occupational services in-house and smaller consultancies under pressure from low barriers to entry and price competition.

1. Is the Business Financially Resilient in a Competitive Market?

Why It Matters

Occupational therapy and related services operate in a fragmented, labour-intensive sector. Profitability is challenged by price-based competition and the trend of organisations hiring in-house occupational health professionals. Practices that specialise or secure recurring contracts are more resilient.

What to Check

• Profitability – Benchmark against the industry’s average margin of 15.4%.
  
  

• Revenue sources – Assess balance between clinical therapy, workplace health programs, and compliance consulting.
  
  

• Overheads – Consider exposure to wages, as labour is the largest cost driver.
  
  

• Cash flow – Review resilience to fluctuations in referrals, contracts, and business confidence.
  
  

2. Does the Business Have Strong Market Positioning?

Why It Matters

Success in occupational therapy relies on referrals, regulatory expertise, and trusted relationships with employers, insurers, and healthcare providers. Businesses with strong reputations or niche specialisations, such as workplace rehabilitation or mental health, can command higher demand.

What to Check

• Client mix – Review reliance on health and community service providers, which account for nearly 20% of demand.
  
  

• Sector reach – Consider links with construction, manufacturing, or transport companies, all major sources of demand.
  
  

• Reputation – Assess standing with regulators, insurers, and the broader medical community.
  
  

• Specialisation – Identify expertise in areas like psychological hazards, aged care, or return-to-work programs.
  
  

3. Is the Business Positioned for Future Trends and Regulation?

Why It Matters

Regulation is tightening, particularly around mental health and psychosocial risks in workplaces. Safe Work Australia and state regulators are introducing new compliance obligations, increasing demand for professional services. Practices that integrate technology and offer broader wellness solutions are best positioned for growth.

What to Check

• Regulatory compliance – Confirm adherence to evolving workplace health and safety standards.
  
  

• Technology use – Assess adoption of digital reporting, telehealth, and compliance tracking platforms.
  
  

• Service diversification – Review whether the practice offers both clinical occupational therapy and compliance consulting.
  
  

• Growth readiness – Evaluate capacity to expand into healthcare, aged care, and large-scale infrastructure projects, where occupational services are in higher demand.
  
  

Ready to Invest in a Thriving Occupational Therapy Service?

With regulatory change, demographic trends, and rising workplace health expectations driving demand, occupational therapy services remain a resilient niche.

Success will depend on financial discipline, strong referral and client networks, and the ability to align with compliance and mental health trends.

For Buyers:
Create an account to set up alerts here.

For Sellers:
Sell Your Business here.