ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Occupational Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

County of Contra Costa

CA · On-site

$101K - $123K/yr

Occupational Therapist I is an entry level classification requiring no experience. Incumbents in this classification perform a full range of general therapy treatments while developing and learning ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHealthcare JobsOccupational Therapy JobsOccupational Therapist JobsEntry Level Occupational Therapist Jobs

Entry Level Occupational Therapist information

See salary details

$23

$45

$67

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

As of Sep 14, 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 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 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 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 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 is an entry level occupational therapist?

An entry level occupational therapist is a professional who provides therapy services to help individuals develop or recover daily living and work skills. They typically hold a master's degree in occupational therapy, pass a national certification exam, and may work under supervision as they gain experience in clinical settings such as hospitals, schools, or rehabilitation centers.
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 are popular job titles related to Entry Level Occupational Therapist jobs?

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

Entry Level Occupational Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Occupational Therapist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,375 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Occupational Therapist

Harvard, IL • On-site

Harvard Community School District 50
See more jobs at Harvard Community School District 50external

$38.25 - $50.50/hr

Other

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Job Title
Occupational Therapist
Job Summary:
The Occupational Therapist is responsible for assessing, planning, and implementing intervention strategies for students with special needs who demonstrate deficits in sensory regulation, daily living skills, and the acquisition of fine, perceptual, or visual-motor skills necessary to achieve educational goals. The therapist collaborates with academic staff to enhance students' functional performance skills, enabling them to access and participate in the educational program. Additionally, the Occupational Therapist supervises Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs), ensuring effective service delivery by overseeing student evaluations, goal-setting, and interventions. The therapist plays a critical role in improving students' independent functioning within the school environment by providing both direct and consultative services and guiding the work of COTAs in alignment with student needs and educational objectives.
Qualifications:
The Occupational Therapist must have completed a professional educational program at the bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, approved by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), or be otherwise approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Currently, entry-level occupational therapy programs require a minimum of a master's degree.
Evaluation:
This job's performance will be evaluated per provisions of the Board's policy on the Evaluation of Staff.
Reports to:
Building Principal
Supervises:
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Terms of Employment:
This is a 9-month position with salary and benefits determined by the Board of Education. The role is part of the Related Services Team and falls under the Related Services agreement.
Compensation and Benefits:
The details of employee compensation and benefits are comprehensively outlined in the Related Service Agreement, a document accessible at the following link: https://www.cusd50.org/page/careers. This agreement is a valuable resource for individuals seeking comprehensive information regarding our organization's remuneration and benefits structure.
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Duties and Responsibilities:
  1. Identifies children (birth through age 21) through screenings and evaluations who have significant deficits in sensory regulation, daily living skills, and/or the acquisition of fine, perceptual, or visual-motor skills impairments.
  2. Develops and implements each student's Individual Education Plan (IEP) and manages the individual caseload, ensuring goals are aligned with the student's needs.
  3. Provides visual and sensory interventions through Special Education and the MTSS process using a continuum of service delivery models, including both direct and consultative approaches.
  4. Supports classroom teachers in implementing each student's IEP, ensuring appropriate modifications or accommodations. Collaborates with colleagues to address student needs and make adjustments as necessary.
  5. Supervises the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) by:
  • Delivering occupational therapy services under the Occupational Therapist's guidance.
  • Collaborating with the COTA to develop student goals and objectives.
  • Monitoring the COTA's service competency for assessments and interventions, ensuring they are consistent with established student goals.
  • Providing oversight on student evaluations, including reviewing written and verbal reports from the COTA.
  • Approving the COTA's selection, implementation, and modification of interventions, ensuring consistency with the treatment plan.
  • Provides feedback to students, parents, and administrators regarding progress and necessary adjustments.
  • Ensures all information related to the COTA's interventions and student outcomes is accurately recorded and shared as needed.
  • Facilitates outcome measurement for students and ensures that the necessary documentation and communication are provided for transitions or exits from occupational therapy services.
  • Participates in ongoing professional learning, contributing to the growth of both personal practice and the COTA's development. Engages with a variety of professional communities to improve student outcomes.
  • Creates a positive and safe learning environment. Manages student behavior to foster personal empowerment, academic growth, and social-emotional well-being.
  • Utilize technologies appropriately in the teaching and learning process.
  • Participate in professional learning communities with various stakeholders, including instructional staff, parents, and community resources, to improve student outcomes and support the school improvement plan.
  • Attend a variety of meetings and professional development activities to convey or gather information required to perform job functions.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with parents and the community.

    • Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
    • Must demonstrate knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations applicable to providing occupational therapy services
    • Knowledge of community agencies and referral resources
    • Must have excellent planning and organization skills
    • Must have the ability to work collaboratively with others
    • Must have strong verbal communication skills
    • Must model a desire and willingness to learn continually

    Physical Demands:
    The physical demands of this position include frequent sitting and standing for extended periods. Repetitive bending at the waist and kneeling, stooping, and crouching to assist students are also required. Regularly walk, talk, hear, operate a computer, hand-held learning devices, and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
    ADA:
    The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Essential and marginal job functions are subject to modification.
    This job description is intended to describe minimum qualifications, duties, and responsibilities performed by employees assigned to this position and is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The District reserves the right to amend and change the position responsibilities to meet District needs as necessary.

    Apply