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Entry Level Occupational Therapy 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 ...

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Entry Level Occupational Therapy information

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

As of Aug 4, 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 is an entry level occupational therapist?

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.

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.

How easy is it to get a job in entry level occupational therapy?

Entry level occupational therapy jobs are generally accessible to recent graduates with a relevant degree and licensure. Job availability depends on geographic location, demand in healthcare settings, and the candidate's clinical skills and certifications. Competition can vary, but strong clinical experience and networking improve employment prospects.

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

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.
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:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Occupational Therapy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Occupational Therapy jobs are:
Entry Level Occupational Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Occupational Therapy 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 Therapy Assistant Instructor (OTA or OT) | Part-time | Onsite

Pima Medical Institute

El Paso, TX • On-site

$31 - $38.75/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago

Pima Medical Institute rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

205th of 614 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Instructor
Location: Pima Medical Institute - El Paso Campus | On-Site
Position Type: Part-Time (15 Hours/Week)
Compensation: $31.00 – $38.75 per hour

Pima Medical Institute is seeking an experienced Occupational Therapy professional to join our El Paso campus faculty. In this role, you will share your knowledge and expertise in occupational therapy principles, therapeutic modalities, and compassionate care — preparing the next generation of entry-level Occupational Therapy Assistants for successful healthcare careers.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Implement and evaluate daily lesson plans including scheduled activities and materials.
  • Plan instruction to achieve specific objectives based on student needs and established curriculum.
  • Prepare lectures, labs, and practical demonstrations for students in class and individually.
  • Evaluate student performance regarding curriculum achievements and make necessary provisions to meet learning needs; evaluate students' clinical performance.
  • Monitor student attendance and coordinate with the Associate Director when absences occur two days in a row; prepare weekly attendance reports.
  • Maintain an 80% student success rate for all classes taught; meet with students to encourage retention and reduce withdrawals.
  • Maintain student grades per established policies; prepare final grades at the end of each semester to update student records and transcripts.
  • Assist and advise students with OTA program curriculum; provide advisement and supervision when necessary.
  • May assist with coordinating externships for OTA students and participate in recruitment and marketing activities for the program.
  • Participate in projects, committee work, and program planning to support department goals as determined by the Program Director.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency recognized by the USDE.
  • Graduation from an accredited Occupational Therapy or Occupational Therapy Assistant program recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education or CHEA.
  • Current OT or OTA license or credential as required by Texas state regulations.
  • Minimum 3 years of occupational experience in occupational therapy or as an occupational therapy assistant.
  • Documented expertise in teaching responsibility and knowledge of content delivery methods.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and other computer applications.

Compensation & Benefits:

  • Competitive Pay: $31.00 – $38.75 per hour.
  • Approximately 15 hours per week.
  • Texas Paid Sick Leave.
  • Employee Discount Programs.
  • Retirement: 401(k) with Employer Match.
  • Ownership: Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) — you're not just an employee, you're an owner.

Pima Medical Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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