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Entry Level Occupational Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Evolve Home Health

Field Occupational Therapy

Fresno, CA · Remote

$41.25 - $54.25/hr

... entry-level certification examination for occupational therapists developed and administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT). 2. Meets personnel ...

Mount Sinai Hospital

Per Diem Occupational

Elmhurst, NY

$42.50 - $56/hr

Provide in-services training to new residents, students and entry level Occupational Therapists. Responsible for Rehab Technicians. Qualifications Completion of New York State approved program in ...

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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:
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 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 Assistant

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Fresno, CA • On-site

$56.16K/yr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

This announcement is for the Occupational Therapy Assistant in the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service (PM&R) in the VA Central California Health Care System in Fresno, CA. The Occupational Therapy Assistant assists in the remediation and rehabilitative services to persons with mental, physical, emotional, or developmental impairments.
NOTE: This announcement has been extended to close on 4/06/2026.Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Associate's [or higher] degree in occupational therapy from a college or university accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). OR
  • Completion of a military training program in an OTA program accredited by the ACOTE
  • Certification. OTAs must have written documentation that they have passed the entry-level certification examination for OTAs administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
  • Licensure. OTAs must hold a full, current, and unrestricted state license to practice occupational therapy in a State, Territory, a Commonwealth of the United States (i.e. Puerto Rico) or in the District of Columbia.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations: GS-08
Experience: One year of creditable experience comparable to the next lower grade level.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(a) Ability to implement delegated assessments.
(b) Ability to provide reports of observations and patient performance.
(c) Ability to use complex therapeutic techniques and interventions, utilizing problem-solving skills to maximize patient's functional status.
(d) Ability to modify therapeutic interventions for simple and complex cases with a wide range of diagnoses and disabilities.
(e) Ability to recommend complex adaptive and assistive devices and durable medical equipment.
(f) Ability to consult with health care practitioners about the patient's treatment plan and the occupational therapy scope of practice and services.
Preferred Experience in short term rehab, skilled nursing setting and acute care setting.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.Education:
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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