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Contract Occupational Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Occupational Therapist

Winston Salem, NC ยท On-site

$37.25 - $49/hr

We are seeking a dedicated School-Based Contract Occupational Therapist to provide exceptional therapy services that support students' academic achievement, independence, and participation in the ...

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Contract Occupational Therapist information

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How much do contract occupational therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract occupational therapist 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 a contract occupational therapist?

Contract occupational therapists are licensed professionals who are hired on a temporary or project-based basis to provide occupational therapy services. Instead of working as permanent staff, they typically work for a set period of time or for specific assignments, often through staffing agencies or as independent contractors. Their main role is to help patients develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. Contract occupational therapists can work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, or clients' homes. This flexible arrangement allows them to gain experience in different environments and often set their own schedules.

What is an occupational therapist contract job?

In an occupational therapist contract job, you provide temporary help for employers. In this role, you may help train people to overcome their physical or mental health issues and suggest treatment options so they can continue to work independently, all while you travel from assignment to assignment. Contracts can last anywhere from a few days to several months, with most falling somewhere between these two extremes. For example, schools may ask you to provide occupational therapy for students over summer break, while local companies hiring people with congenital disabilities to fulfill certain holiday roles may ask you to help train them before the shopping season ramps up.

How does working as a contract occupational therapist differ from a permanent position in terms of daily workflow and collaboration?

As a contract occupational therapist, you may experience greater variability in your daily workflow, as assignments can differ in setting, patient population, and treatment protocols. Collaboration often involves quickly building rapport with new interdisciplinary teams, adapting to different workplace cultures, and efficiently integrating into established routines. While flexibility and autonomy are key advantages, contract roles may require you to be proactive in managing your schedule and communication with both clients and supervisors. This dynamic environment can help you broaden your clinical skills and professional network, but it also demands adaptability and strong organizational skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract occupational therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Occupational Therapist, you need a degree in occupational therapy, state licensure, and solid knowledge of rehabilitation techniques and patient evaluation. Familiarity with therapy documentation software, adaptive equipment, and regulatory standards (such as HIPAA) is important. Strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, and effective time management help you excel in diverse settings and build trust with clients. These abilities ensure high-quality, individualized patient care and successful adaptation to varying contract environments.

What is the difference between Contract Occupational Therapist vs Permanent Occupational Therapist?

AspectContract Occupational TherapistPermanent Occupational Therapist
CredentialsRequires OT license, possibly temporary certificationsRequires OT license, full certification
Work EnvironmentShort-term assignments, varied settingsLong-term employment, consistent setting
Employment TypeTemporary, project-basedFull-time or part-time, ongoing
Industry UsageHealthcare facilities, clinics, schoolsHospitals, clinics, schools

Contract Occupational Therapists typically work on short-term assignments in various settings, offering flexibility and diverse experience. Permanent Occupational Therapists have ongoing roles with stable employment, often in the same facility. Both roles require the same licensing and certifications but differ mainly in employment structure and duration.

More about Contract Occupational Therapist jobs

What cities are hiring for Contract Occupational Therapist jobs?

Cities with the most Contract Occupational Therapist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Occupational Therapist jobs?

The most popular types of Occupational Therapist jobs are:

What states have the most Contract Occupational Therapist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Contract Occupational Therapist jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Occupational Therapist jobs?

For Contract Occupational Therapist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Contract Occupational Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 51% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,375 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Local Contract Occupational Therapist

RCM HealthCare Travel

Tacoma, WA โ€ข On-site

$50 - $60/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

RCM HealthCare Travel is seeking a local contract Occupational Therapist for a local contract job in Tacoma, Washington.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Occupational Therapist
  • Discipline: Therapy
  • Start Date: ASAP
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 8 hours
  • Employment Type: Local Contract

Occupational Therapist hospital settings
RCM Health Care Services is hiring for Occupational Therapist in hospital settings.

  • Assessing the patientโ€™s physical, communication and cognitive skills to develop a treatment plan
  • Helping patients to take part in everyday activities based on their unique circumstances
  • Assisting patientsโ€™ exercise for pain relief
  • Reviewing the patientโ€™s progress and adapting the treatment accordingly
  • Performing administrative tasks such as keeping records, writing reports, and making telephone calls
Experience
  • 2 years experience
Salary
  • $50-$60 per hour (depending on experience, setting and location)
Required skills and qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Occupational Therapy
  • Current state licensure as an Occupational Therapist
Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, 401K
Work Hours
  • Full-Time โ€“ 40 hours
If you have the qualifications above and are interested in this wonderful opportunity โ€“ apply today! Not exactly what you were looking for? Browse other available jobs in your area online at the RCM Health Care Services website."

RCM HealthCare Travel Job ID #296577. Posted job title: OT

About RCM HealthCare Travel

RCM Health Care Servicesโ€™ mission is to provide opportunities for qualified candidates across medical professions. We deliver timely results and have built a reputation of trust with our clients and candidates. Since 1975, we have been providing staffing solutions to many of the finest healthcare institutions across the nation and careers for thousands of candidates. As professional career opportunity matchmakers, we follow up and follow through to help our clients and candidates to reach their career and life goals.

We proudly hold the Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval as well.