ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

United States Army

Reserve Occupational Therapist

Fresno, CA

$40 - $52.50/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

Boston, MA

$43.75 - $57.50/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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOccupational Therapy JobsEntry Level Occupational Therapy Jobs

Entry Level Occupational Therapy information

See salary details

$23

$45

$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.
Reserve Occupational Therapist

Reserve Occupational Therapist

United States Army

Chicago, IL

$41.50 - $54.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

United States Army rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 486 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

U.S. Army Occupational Therapists have the strength to heal our Nation’s defenders

If you are a professional in the field of occupational therapy and want to combine your specialized skills with a desire to serve your country, a career as an Army Occupational Therapist might be the one for you.

Outstanding Opportunities

As an Occupational Therapist for the U.S. Army, you’ll learn to use the latest technology to help Soldiers and their families improve their physical health. As part of our multidisciplinary health care organization, you’ll gain the experience needed to take your career to the next level. U.S. Army Occupational Therapists may provide individualized treatment plans for Soldiers who are experiencing operational combat stress and injuries, as well as administering assessments of battlefield units to determine health statuses. To prepare you for your role as an Army Occupational Therapist, the U.S. Army provides training, continued education programs, seminars and conferences to expose you to as many opportunities as possible during your time in the Army. If you decide to join the Army Reserve, you will be able to serve your country as needed while still supporting your community.

Whether you choose Active duty or Army Reserve, a career as an Army Occupational Therapist allows you to serve your nation in critical ways.

Outstanding Benefits

When you join the Army Medical Specialist Corps, you’ll be making a difference in the lives of our Soldiers and the country at large while gaining access to invaluable opportunities, such as supporting humanitarian missions, leadership training and a competitive benefits package.

Benefits may include:

★ Repayment of qualified education loans to lending institution, paid annually over a maximum of three years while serving

★ You may be eligible for an accession bonus, paid over a four-year period while serving

★ Full-tuition scholarship opportunity for a Post-Professional Doctor of Science in Occupational Therapy program focused on maximizing military readiness, health living, and performance optimization

★ For pre-occupational therapy students there is a full-tuition scholarship opportunity for an 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 paid vacation earned annually

★ Enrollment into the Uniformed Services Blended Retirement System

★ No- to low-cost medical and dental care for you and your family

★ Commissary and post exchange shopping privileges

★ Specialized training to become a leader in medicine

Eligibility Requirements

★ Must have a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited Occupational Therapist program

★ Must have an active, unrestricted National Board for the Certification of Occupational Therapists (NBCOT) and an active, unrestricted state license

★ Be between the ages of 18 and 42 years old (waivers are on a case-by-case basis)

★ Must be a U.S. citizen to serve Active Duty

★ Must have a permanent U.S. residency for Army Reserve

Have questions or want more information?

To find out more information about becoming an Occupational Therapist in the U.S. Army, visit www.goarmy.com/amedd. You may also reach out to your local Army Healthcare Recruiter to learn how you can get started on your journey as an Army Occupational Therapist.

What United States Army employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

US Army logo

About US Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All US Army Jobs

Apply