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Entry Level Occupational Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

United States Army

Reserve Occupational Therapist

Peoria, AZ

$39.50 - $52/hr

... entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate program focused on academic, scientific research and clinical excellence ★ Travel opportunities within the United States and abroad ★ Up to 30 days of ...

United States Army

Reserve Occupational Therapist

Chicago, IL

$41.50 - $54.50/hr

... entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate program focused on academic, scientific research and clinical excellence ★ Travel opportunities within the United States and abroad ★ Up to 30 days of ...

United States Army

Reserve Occupational Therapist

Boston, MA

$43.75 - $57.50/hr

... entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate program focused on academic, scientific research and clinical excellence ★ Travel opportunities within the United States and abroad ★ Up to 30 days of ...

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How much do entry level occupational therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level 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 types of support and mentorship can entry level occupational therapists expect in their first year on the job?

As an entry level occupational therapist, you can typically expect to receive structured onboarding, regular supervision, and mentorship from experienced therapists during your first year. Many organizations pair new hires with senior staff for shadowing and case discussions, and provide opportunities to participate in team meetings and continuing education. This support helps new therapists build confidence, develop clinical reasoning skills, and acclimate to the documentation and workflow expectations in various settings such as hospitals, schools, or outpatient clinics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level occupational therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Occupational Therapist, you need a bachelor's or master's degree in occupational therapy, completion of fieldwork requirements, and licensure or certification (typically NBCOT). Familiarity with assessment tools, documentation software, and therapy modalities is essential for effective patient care. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and problem-solving abilities help you build rapport with clients and tailor interventions to individual needs. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering effective, client-centered therapy and supporting patient progress in diverse healthcare environments.

What does an entry level occupational therapist do?

An entry level occupational therapist helps individuals of all ages develop, recover, or maintain daily living and work skills after injury, illness, or disability. They assess patients’ needs, develop treatment plans, and guide them through therapeutic activities to improve their independence and quality of life. Entry level therapists work under the supervision of experienced occupational therapists, often collaborating with other healthcare professionals to support patient goals. Their responsibilities include documentation, patient education, and sometimes assisting with adaptive equipment selection.

What is the difference between Entry Level Occupational Therapist vs Occupational Therapist?

AspectEntry Level Occupational TherapistOccupational Therapist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Occupational Therapy, licensure requiredSame as entry level, with additional certifications or specialization optional
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, schools, outpatient settingsSimilar settings, often with more experience handling complex cases
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist patients with daily activities, follow treatment plans, document progressDesign treatment plans, supervise assistants, handle complex cases

Entry Level Occupational Therapists perform foundational patient care under supervision, focusing on developing skills. Occupational Therapists with more experience handle complex cases, create treatment strategies, and may supervise staff. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, but experience levels influence responsibilities and autonomy.

More about Entry Level Occupational Therapist jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Occupational Therapist jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level 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 Entry Level Occupational Therapist jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Occupational Therapist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Occupational Therapist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Occupational Therapist jobs are:
Entry Level Occupational Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Occupational Therapist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,375 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Occupational Therapist

Sportscare Physical Therapy

West New York, NJ • On-site

$43.50 - $57.25/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Since 1997, SportsCare Institute has been providing high-quality physical therapy and sports medicine services. We maintain a dedicated staff of employees and each of our facilities offers state-of-the-art rehabilitation technology and exercise equipment.

SportsCare Institute is currently seeking a Pediatric Occupational Therapist to join our KidsCare team in West New York, NJ. KidsCare is a school based program in Hudson County with an outpatient facility in West New York. Clinicians work on a school schedule. We are accepting applications for experienced and entry level Occupational therapists.

We attribute our success and quality of care to our committed staff who makes this possible. Due to our growth and many opportunities for career advancement, we are constantly looking for motivated and dynamic clinicians to join our team!

Through our management expertise and service providers we are completely committed to providing the highest quality of care available. For treatment of painful conditions, recovery of function, and injury prevention, we are dedicated to maximizing our patient's well-being.

SportsCare offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, 401k with company match, continuing education reimbursement, continuing education and certification opportunities, and much more!

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