2

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Occupational Therapist I

Brentwood, CA

$44.25 - $58.25/hr

... entry level classification requiring no experience. Incumbents in this classification perform a full range of general therapy treatments while developing and learning the skills and knowledge ...

Occupational Therapist

Hollywood, FL

$36.75 - $48.50/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 ...

Occupational Therapist

Orlando, FL

$37.50 - $49.50/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 ...

Occupational Therapist

Tallahassee, FL

$35 - $46/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 ...

Occupational Therapist

Miami, FL

$38.50 - $50.75/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 ...

Occupational Therapist

Tampa, FL

$36.75 - $48.25/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 ...

Occupational Therapist

Jacksonville, FL

$37.25 - $49/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 ...

PRN COTA

Evansville, IN

$27.25 - $36.25/hr

Graduate of accredited entry level Occupational Therapy Assistant Program * Certified by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc., as designated by the initials C.O.T.A. * Experience in ...

CA · On-site

$101.35K - $123.19K/yr

... entry level classification requiring no experience. Incumbents in this classification perform a full range of general therapy treatments while developing and learning the skills and knowledge ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Occupational Therapy information

See salary details

$23

$45

$67

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

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level 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 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, state licensure, and foundational knowledge in anatomy, therapeutic techniques, and patient assessment. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), adaptive equipment, and standardized assessment tools is typical in the role. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and problem-solving abilities help you connect with clients and tailor interventions effectively. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering personalized care that improves patients’ independence and quality of life.

How do entry-level occupational therapists typically collaborate with other healthcare professionals in a clinical setting?

Entry-level occupational therapists frequently work as part of multidisciplinary teams that may include physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, nurses, and physicians. Collaboration is essential for creating comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs. You’ll participate in team meetings, share progress updates, and coordinate interventions to ensure consistent care. This teamwork not only helps improve patient outcomes but also provides valuable learning opportunities for new therapists.

What are entry level occupational therapists?

Entry level occupational therapists are professionals who have recently completed their education and obtained the necessary licensure to practice occupational therapy. They typically work under supervision or mentorship as they gain experience, helping patients develop, recover, or improve the skills needed for daily living and working. Entry level occupational therapists may work in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, or nursing homes. Their primary goal is to assist clients in achieving independence and improving their quality of life.

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

AspectEntry Level Occupational TherapyOccupational Therapist
CredentialsMaster's degree in Occupational Therapy, passing the NBCOT examMaster's or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, licensed and certified
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, schools, outpatient centersSame as entry level, often with more responsibility and specialization
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist patients with daily activities, implement treatment plansDevelop treatment plans, supervise assistants, evaluate progress

Entry Level Occupational Therapy roles focus on assisting patients under supervision, while Occupational Therapists have advanced responsibilities, including developing treatment plans and supervising staff. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but the level of responsibility distinguishes them.

More about Entry Level Occupational Therapy jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Occupational Therapy jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Occupational Therapy job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Occupational Therapy jobs? The most popular types of Occupational Therapy jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Occupational Therapy jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Occupational Therapy jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Occupational Therapy job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $94,375 per year, or $45.4 per hour.
Occupational Therapy Adjunct Instructor

Occupational Therapy Adjunct Instructor

Northern Kentucky University

Newport, KY • On-site

Part-time

Posted 25 days ago


Northern Kentucky University rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 529 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Working Title
Occupational Therapy Adjunct Instructor
Department
School of Kinesiology, Counseling, and Rehabilitative Sciences
Full Time or Part Time?
Part - Time
Position Number
Purpose of Position
To design and deliver instruction on specific intervention or knowledge areas to entry-level occupational therapy students.
Primary Responsibilities
Develop (or update), and deliver course content to meet specified student outcomes in assigned course(s). This includes development or revision lectures, assignments, exams, and lab activities that are consistent with the course outcomes, the NKU occupational therapy mission, NKU values, and the Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education standards.
Qualifications
Must have documented current clinical expertise in areas covered in assigned course(s).
Minimum Education
Master's Degree
Preferred Education
Doctorate
Posting Detail Information
Requisition Number
2022F633
Job Open Date
05/25/2022
Job Close Date
Quick Link
https://jobs.nku.edu/postings/11948