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Entry Level Occupational Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GovernmentJobs.com

Occupational Therapist I

Brentwood, CA · On-site

$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 ...

TransPerfect

Occupational Therapist

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$50 - $60/hr

S. entry-level Occupational Therapy education by an AOTA-approved credentialing agency. What We Offer * Competitive compensation ($50 - $60 per hour) * Flexible PRN scheduling * Paid onboarding and ...

Harvard CUSD50

Occupational Therapist

Harvard, IL · On-site

$38.25 - $50.50/hr

Currently, entry-level occupational therapy programs require a minimum of a master's degree. This job's performance will be evaluated per provisions of the Board's policy on the Evaluation of Staff.

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

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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$23

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$67

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

As of Jul 15, 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.

Why are OTs leaving the profession?

Entry level occupational therapists may leave the profession due to factors such as high workload, administrative burdens, limited career advancement opportunities, and burnout. Job satisfaction can also be affected by compensation, work environment, and the emotional demands of helping clients with diverse needs.

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.

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.

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 enhance daily functioning. They may use exercises, activity modifications, and education to manage symptoms and prevent injury. Certification in pediatric or orthopedic therapy can enhance effectiveness in treating hypermobility cases.

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.

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 or community settings.

How to get experience before OT school?

Entry level occupational therapy students can gain experience by volunteering or working in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, or schools to observe and assist with patient care. Additionally, gaining skills in communication, teamwork, and basic patient handling through relevant roles can strengthen applications for OT programs.
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 1% Locum Tenens, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% 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 I

Occupational Therapist I

GovernmentJobs.com

Brentwood, CA • On-site

$44.25 - $58.25/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Occupational Therapist

Contra Costa County Health Services Department is recruiting individuals on a continuous basis to fill entry level Occupational Therapist positions. Therapists may be assigned to the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and its Health Centers or the California Children Services Programs located throughout the County. 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 the skills and knowledge necessary to apply more advanced and/or specialized treatments.

The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six months.

The Board of Supervisors have authorized the following future salary increases for this classification: 5% on July 1, 2025. Bargaining Unit: Local 856 - Health Services Unit.

Typical tasks include evaluating, planning, and implementing treatment in areas such as self-care, functional mobility, upper extremity function, adaptive/assistive equipment, home management, community skills, visual-perceptual ability, motor and sensory/motor development, functional cognition, and specialized and advanced therapy treatments. Therapists also provide consultation, education, and training to patients and their families, collaborate with other care providers, maintain records and statistics, and prepare reports of patient treatment.

Minimum qualifications include possession and maintenance of a valid License or limited Permit to practice as an Occupational Therapist issued by the California Board of Occupational Therapy, a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate issued by the American Heart Association or a CPR certification issued by the American Red Cross, and no experience required. Other requirements may include a background investigation/fingerprint and/or physical exam prior to the start of employment.

The selection process includes application filing, application evaluation, and training and experience evaluation. After receiving a conditional job offer, applicants will be fingerprinted and their conviction history will be reviewed. All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers and are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training and to return to work in the event of an emergency.

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