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Entry Level Occupational Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Eligible to take, or has successfully completed, the entry-level certification examination for occupational therapists developed and administered by the National Board for Certification in ...

Occupational Therapist

Dublin, OH · On-site

$56.25 - $67.50/hr

Eligible to take, or has successfully completed, the entry-level certification examination for occupational therapists developed and administered by the National Board for Certification in ...

Eligible to take, or has successfully completed, the entry-level certification examination for occupational therapists developed and administered by the National Board for Certification in ...

Eligible to take, or has successfully completed, the entry-level certification examination for occupational therapists developed and administered by the National Board for Certification in ...

Occupational Therapist

Waterloo, IA

$37.50 - $49.25/hr

Is eligible to take or has successfully completed the NBCOT entry-level certification examination for occupational therapists. Lifting 50 pounds' maximum with frequent lifting and or carrying of ...

Occupational Therapist

Pleasant Hill, CA · On-site

$100K - $155K/yr

Eligible to take, or has successfully completed, the entry-level certification examination for occupational therapists developed and administered by the National Board for Certification in ...

Eligible to take, or has successfully completed, the entry-level certification examination for occupational therapists developed and administered by the National Board for Certification in ...

Occupational Therapist

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

$50.14 - $68.85/hr

Eligible to take, or has successfully completed, the entry-level certification examination for occupational therapists developed and administered by the National Board for Certification in ...

Occupational Therapist

Warwick, RI · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Eligible to take, or has successfully completed, the entry-level certification examination for occupational therapists developed and administered by the National Board for Certification in ...

Occupational Therapist

Pensacola, FL · On-site

$51.77 - $69.03/hr

Eligible to take, or has successfully completed, the entry-level certification examination for occupational therapists developed and administered by the National Board for Certification in ...

Occupational Therapist

Shelton, CT · On-site

$63.75 - $82.50/hr

Eligible to take, or has successfully completed, the entry-level certification examination for occupational therapists developed and administered by the National Board for Certification in ...

Eligible to take, or has successfully completed, the entry-level certification examination for occupational therapists developed and administered by the National Board for Certification in ...

Eligible to take, or has successfully completed, the entry-level certification examination for occupational therapists developed and administered by the National Board for Certification in ...

Eligible to take, or has successfully completed, the entry-level certification examination for occupational therapists developed and administered by the National Board for Certification in ...

Occupational Therapist

Bloomington, IN · On-site

$52.50 - $60/hr

Eligible to take, or has successfully completed, the entry-level certification examination for occupational therapists developed and administered by the National Board for Certification in ...

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Entry Level Occupational Therapist information

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$45

$67

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

As of Jun 15, 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.

Who gets paid more, PT or OT?

Physical therapists (PTs) generally earn higher salaries than occupational therapists (OTs) due to differences in scope of practice and specialization. PTs often work in outpatient clinics and require a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which can influence earning potential. Both roles are essential in healthcare, but PTs tend to have higher average wages based on industry data.

Can occupational therapy help with Parkinson's?

Entry level occupational therapists can assist individuals with Parkinson's disease by developing strategies to improve daily functioning, managing symptoms, and maintaining independence. They often use techniques such as activity modification and adaptive equipment, and may work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support patients' quality of life.

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.

Can OT help with hypermobility?

Entry level occupational therapists can assist individuals with hypermobility by developing personalized strategies to improve joint stability, reduce pain, and prevent injury. They often use exercises, activity modifications, and education to help clients manage symptoms and improve function.

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.

What Does an Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Do?

As an entry-level occupational therapist, you assist injured, ill, or permanently disabled patients in their development and maintenance of physical abilities by using daily activities as therapy. You observe the patient doing routine tasks, develop a treatment plan, demonstrate exercises, and monitor progress. Your responsibilities also include educating the patient’s family about how to provide care and assistance, and you provide training and instruction in the use of recommended equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, and adaptive eating aids. Your duties also involve evaluating client homes and workplaces and identifying ways to improve their quality of living through adaptive measures.

Can OT help with ADHD?

Entry level occupational therapists often work with individuals with ADHD to develop strategies for improving attention, organization, and daily functioning. They may use interventions such as skill-building activities, environmental modifications, and sensory integration techniques to support clients. Certification in pediatrics or mental health can enhance an OT's ability to address ADHD-related challenges.
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:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Occupational Therapist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,375 per year, or $45.4 per hour.
Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Amedisys, Inc.

Oklahoma City, OK • On-site

$48 - $56/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Amedisys rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 107 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 872 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview
PRN Days
 
Make a difference every day as an Amedisys occupational therapist
Join Amedisys-one of the largest and most trusted home health and hospice companies in the U.S.-where flexibility, purpose and growth come together to help patients heal where they feel most comfortable, at home.
 
Attractive pay
  • $48.00 - $56.00 Hourly 
 
What's in it for you
  • Choice of PPO or HSA medical plans with free telehealth.
  • Paid time off.
  • Up to $1,000 in free healthcare services with Amedisys HSA plan.
  • Up to $500 in wellness rewards for activities-use for spa, gym, sports, hobbies, pets and more.*
  • Mental health support with up to five free counseling sessions through the Employee Assistance program.
  • 401(k) with a company match.
  • Family support with infertility treatment coverage*, adoption reimbursement, paid parental and family caregiver leave.
  • Fleet vehicle program (restrictions apply) and mileage reimbursement.
  • And more.
*Benefit eligibility can vary by position and shift status.
*Participation requires enrollment in an Amedisys medical plan.

Responsibilities
  • Responsible for all aspects of occupational therapy service delivery provided under a physician approved plan of care.

  • Ensures the plan of care addresses all problems identified in the assessment or documents rationale if identified problems are not addressed in the plan of care.
  • Accountable for the safety and effectiveness of the occupational therapy service delivery process.
  • Completes documentation timely and accurately.
  • Supervises home health aide when RN is not active in the case.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Current license to practice occupational therapy specific to the state you are assigned to work.

  • Graduate of an occupational therapy program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA), or successor organizations of ACOTE
  • Eligible to take, or has successfully completed, the entry-level certification examination for occupational therapists developed and administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT).
  • One year related occupational therapy experience to ensure knowledge and skills are sufficient to safely provide occupational therapy services to patients.
    • If less than one (1) year experience, then approval from regional clinical leaders required as well as appropriate mentoring and/or residency program established.
  • Current CPR certification.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets and may vary depending on location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Amedisys is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, disability, military status, sexual orientation, genetic predisposition or carrier status or any other legally protected characteristic.

Qualifications:
  • Current license to practice occupational therapy specific to the state you are assigned to work.

  • Graduate of an occupational therapy program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA), or successor organizations of ACOTE
  • Eligible to take, or has successfully completed, the entry-level certification examination for occupational therapists developed and administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT).
  • One year related occupational therapy experience to ensure knowledge and skills are sufficient to safely provide occupational therapy services to patients.
    • If less than one (1) year experience, then approval from regional clinical leaders required as well as appropriate mentoring and/or residency program established.
  • Current CPR certification.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets and may vary depending on location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Amedisys is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, disability, military status, sexual orientation, genetic predisposition or carrier status or any other legally protected characteristic.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: PER_DIEM

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About Amedisys

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

*Caregiving is our Calling* At Amedisys whether we're caring for patients directly or supporting those who do, each of us is a caregiver at heart. Every team member contributes to our mission of providing exceptional, clinically distinct care in the home to thousands of patients and families every day.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baton Rouge, LA, US

Year founded

1982