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Aquatic Occupational Therapy information

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How much do aquatic occupational therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for aquatic occupational therapy in the United States is $45.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.70 and $50.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is aquatic occupational therapy?

Aquatic occupational therapy is a specialized form of therapy that uses the properties of water, such as buoyancy and resistance, to help individuals improve their functional skills, mobility, and independence in daily activities. It is often used for people with physical, sensory, or neurological challenges, as the water environment can make movements easier and less stressful on joints. Aquatic therapy sessions are led by occupational therapists trained in water-based techniques and are tailored to meet each person's unique therapeutic goals. This approach can be beneficial for children and adults, and is used in rehabilitation, sensory integration, and motor skill development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aquatic occupational therapist?

To thrive as an Aquatic Occupational Therapist, you need a degree in occupational therapy, state licensure, and specialized knowledge of aquatic therapy techniques. Familiarity with aquatic therapy equipment, hydrotherapy pools, and certifications such as Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute (ATRI) credentials are often required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and patience are essential for building rapport and adapting therapy plans to individual client needs. These skills ensure effective, safe, and personalized treatments that maximize client rehabilitation and functional outcomes in an aquatic environment.

How does an aquatic occupational therapist typically collaborate with other healthcare professionals in a clinical setting?

Aquatic occupational therapists often work closely with physical therapists, speech therapists, and physicians to develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each client's needs. They regularly communicate progress and coordinate therapy goals to ensure a holistic approach to rehabilitation. Collaboration may involve joint sessions, interdisciplinary meetings, and shared documentation to align strategies and optimize patient outcomes. This teamwork enhances both the effectiveness of aquatic interventions and the overall patient experience.

What is the difference between Aquatic Occupational Therapy vs Physical Therapist?

AspectAquatic Occupational TherapyPhysical Therapist
CredentialsOccupational Therapy License, Aquatic Therapy CertificationPhysical Therapy License, Specialized Certifications
Work EnvironmentPools, aquatic therapy settings, clinicsHospitals, clinics, outpatient centers
FocusImproving daily living skills through aquatic activitiesRestoring movement, reducing pain, improving mobility

While both roles involve rehabilitation, Aquatic Occupational Therapists focus on helping clients regain daily living skills using aquatic environments, whereas Physical Therapists primarily work on restoring movement and reducing pain through various therapies. Both require specialized licenses and often work in similar healthcare settings, but their treatment goals differ.

Can aquatic occupational therapists do aquatic therapy?

Aquatic occupational therapists are trained to provide aquatic therapy as part of their treatment plans, utilizing water-based environments to improve clients' motor skills, strength, and mobility. They often have specialized training in aquatic therapy techniques and may work in pools or aquatic facilities to deliver these interventions.

How to become an aquatic occupational therapist?

To become an aquatic occupational therapist, you need to earn a master's degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program, obtain licensure or certification as required by your region, and gain experience in aquatic therapy techniques. Additional certifications in aquatic therapy or water safety can enhance your skills and job prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Aquatic Occupational Therapy jobs?

For Aquatic Occupational Therapy jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Aquatic Occupational Therapy job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,375 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Pediatric Occupational Therapist, OTR/L

Beaumont, TX • On-site

Richard L. Shorkey Education and Rehabilitation Center
See more jobs at Richard L. Shorkey Education and Rehabilitation Centerexternal

$38.50 - $50.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Occupational Therapist - Pediatrics

Flexible Employment Opportunity: Hybrid, PRN, 1099, Evals & COTA Supervision, part-time (earn PTO), full-time with benefit package

Flexible schedule, signing bonus

The Shorkey Center is hiring a Certified Occupational Therapist who is open to creative solutions to meet client needs. Join an Interdisciplinary team including PT, OT, SLP, ABA, and inclusive preschool to meet the needs of children along their continuum of development. The candidate will facilitate development and rehabilitation of pediatric patients with mental, emotional and physical disabilities by evaluating, planning, and administering medically prescribed occupational therapy. Keeping you treatment dynamic, Shorkey has opportunities in out patient clinic, schools, and aquatic places of service.

We are a non-profit United Way Partner Agency serving SETX including several school campuses. The Center has a therapy gym, motor lab, several treatment rooms, 2 playgrounds and a pool to meet the the therapy needs of patients.

Unique Opportunities:

· Feeding clinic

·Aquatic Occupational Therapy treatment - experience not required

Responsibilities

Supervise COTA

Evaluate and treat clients

Use EMR - Electronic Medical Records

Organized documentation: Timely evaluation and reevaluation, maintain and complete treatment notes, progress reports, attendance, discharge, and billing

Complies with federal, state and local legal and certification requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating future legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising management on needed actions.

Required:

Licensed in the State of Texas

Graduate of accredited university in the field of Occupational Therapy.

Desired:

Master Degree or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy

Medicaid Number

5+ years’ experience

Sensory Expertise

Feeding experience

Ability to mentor and train

Benefits:

Paid health care premium

Dental Insurance

Paid time off: Holidays, vacation

401K

Life insurance

Company Description

The Shorkey Education and Rehabilitation Center provides opportunity for creative and innovative pediatric rehabilitation: Medical Therapy -physical, occupational, speech, and feeding therapy for ages 0-21; Behavior Therapy (ABA Therapy) - Appilied behavioral analysis for ages 18 months - 6 years. In addition, the Shorkey has an inclusive preschool for children with and without disabilities for children ages 2-5.Children can receive therapy while at the Center. The facility is equipped with 2 playgrounds, motor lab, heavy lifting (tiny resistance machines), and amazing staff dedicated to serving children with special needs. Other services: parent training, autism assessments for children with Medicaid Insurance, and periodic screening clinics.