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Hand Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hand Therapist

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Hand Therapist About OrthoArizona At OrthoArizona, we are bringing the best together. Our organization was created to help serve ALL orthopedic and podiatry needs throughout the Valley! We have a ...

Hand Therapist - Longmont, CO We are seeking a dedicated Hand Therapist to join a growing team in Longmont, Colorado . This role is ideal for a clinician who is passionate about delivering high ...

Hand Therapist

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Hand Therapist About OrthoArizona At OrthoArizona, we are bringing the best together. Our organization was created to help serve ALL orthopedic and podiatry needs throughout the Valley! We have a ...

Hand Therapist

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Hand Therapist About OrthoArizona At OrthoArizona, we are bringing the best together. Our organization was created to help serve ALL orthopedic and podiatry needs throughout the Valley! We have a ...

Hand Therapist

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Hand Therapist About OrthoArizona At OrthoArizona, we are bringing the best together. Our organization was created to help serve ALL orthopedic and podiatry needs throughout the Valley! We have a ...

Hand Therapist About OrthoArizona At OrthoArizona, we are bringing the best together. Our organization was created to help serve ALL orthopedic and podiatry needs throughout the Valley! We have a ...

Hand Therapist

Glendale, AZ · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Hand Therapist About OrthoArizona At OrthoArizona, we are bringing the best together. Our organization was created to help serve ALL orthopedic and podiatry needs throughout the Valley! We have a ...

Hand Therapist Direct Hire Downtown Nashville or Clarksville, TN Mon-Fri 8-5pm Description This Hand Therapist position provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment to adult, geriatric, adolescent ...

Hand Therapist

Surprise, AZ · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Hand Therapist About OrthoArizona At OrthoArizona, we are bringing the best together. Our organization was created to help serve ALL orthopedic and podiatry needs throughout the Valley! We have a ...

Hand Therapist About OrthoArizona At OrthoArizona, we are bringing the best together. Our organization was created to help serve ALL orthopedic and podiatry needs throughout the Valley! We have a ...

Work with our hand therapy team and partner directly with our hand physician for seamless communication and coordinated patient care. We are committed to the ongoing learning process through ...

Hand Therapist

Gilbert, AZ · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Hand Therapist About OrthoArizona At OrthoArizona, we are bringing the best together. Our organization was created to help serve ALL orthopedic and podiatry needs throughout the Valley! We have a ...

Hand Therapist

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Hand Therapist About OrthoArizona At OrthoArizona, we are bringing the best together. Our organization was created to help serve ALL orthopedic and podiatry needs throughout the Valley! We have a ...

Hand Therapist

Surprise, AZ · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Hand Therapist About OrthoArizona At OrthoArizona, we are bringing the best together. Our organization was created to help serve ALL orthopedic and podiatry needs throughout the Valley! We have a ...

Hand Therapist About OrthoArizona At OrthoArizona, we are bringing the best together. Our organization was created to help serve ALL orthopedic and podiatry needs throughout the Valley! We have a ...

Hand Therapist

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Hand Therapist About OrthoArizona At OrthoArizona, we are bringing the best together. Our organization was created to help serve ALL orthopedic and podiatry needs throughout the Valley! We have a ...

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Hand Therapist information

See salary details

$23K

$70.7K

$114K

How much do hand therapist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for hand therapist in the United States is $70,660.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $87,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges hand therapists face when working with patients recovering from hand surgery or injuries?

Hand therapists often encounter challenges such as motivating patients to adhere to prescribed exercises and overcoming patient anxiety about regaining function. Each patient’s recovery timeline can vary greatly, requiring personalized rehabilitation plans and ongoing adjustments. Therapists also collaborate closely with surgeons and other healthcare professionals to coordinate care, manage pain, and monitor progress, which can be complex in cases involving severe trauma or multiple injuries.

How much do hand therapists make in the US?

Hand therapists in the US typically earn between $70,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certification level. They often work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices and may require specialized training in hand therapy techniques and certifications such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT).

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hand Therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hand Therapist, you need a solid background in occupational or physical therapy, specialized training in hand rehabilitation, and often a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential. Familiarity with splint fabrication tools, rehabilitation equipment, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and problem-solving abilities help foster patient trust and support successful rehabilitation outcomes. These combined competencies ensure effective treatment planning, optimal patient recovery, and high professional standards in a specialized clinical environment.

What is the difference between Hand Therapist vs Occupational Therapist?

AspectHand TherapistOccupational Therapist
CredentialsCertified Hand Therapist (CHT), OT or PT licenseOccupational Therapist (OT) license, optional certifications
Work EnvironmentRehabilitation clinics, hospitals, outpatient settings focusing on hand and upper limb rehabHospitals, clinics, schools, and community settings addressing broader daily living skills
Industry UsageSpecialized in hand and upper extremity rehabilitationGeneral rehabilitation across various body parts and daily activities

Hand Therapists focus specifically on rehabilitating hand and upper limb injuries, requiring specialized certifications like the CHT. Occupational Therapists have a broader scope, addressing overall functional abilities. While both work in healthcare settings, Hand Therapists are more specialized in upper extremity rehab, whereas Occupational Therapists cover a wider range of patient needs.

Where are OTs paid the highest?

Occupational therapists (OTs), including hand therapists, tend to earn the highest salaries in metropolitan areas with a high cost of living and strong healthcare industries. States like California, New York, and Massachusetts generally offer higher average wages for OTs due to demand and living costs, though salaries can vary based on experience, certifications, and work setting.

How do I become a hand therapist?

To become a hand therapist, you typically need to earn a bachelor's degree in a related field such as occupational therapy or physical therapy, then complete a master's degree or higher in occupational or physical therapy. Afterward, gaining specialized certification in hand therapy through the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC) and accumulating clinical experience in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation are essential steps.

What profession are most hand therapists in?

Most hand therapists are licensed occupational therapists or physical therapists who specialize in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation. They typically hold advanced certifications such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) and work in hospitals, clinics, or outpatient settings. Their training includes anatomy, injury management, and therapeutic techniques specific to hand and wrist conditions.

What are hand therapists?

Hand therapists are specialized healthcare professionals who evaluate and treat injuries and conditions affecting the hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow. They are typically occupational or physical therapists with advanced training and experience in upper extremity rehabilitation. Hand therapists help patients recover movement, strength, and function after surgery, injury, or illness, often using therapeutic exercises, splinting, and education. Their goal is to enable patients to return to daily activities, work, or sports as safely and efficiently as possible.
More about Hand Therapist jobs
What cities are hiring for Hand Therapist jobs? Cities with the most Hand Therapist job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Hand Therapist jobs? The top employers for Hand Therapist jobs are:
What states have the most Hand Therapist jobs? States with the most job openings for Hand Therapist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Hand Therapist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,660 per year, or $34 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Description
We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Hand Therapist to join our dedicated team at our office in Las Cruces, NM. In this role, you will assess, plan, and implement customized treatment programs for patients recovering from hand injuries, surgeries, and conditions impacting upper extremity function. Your expertise will play a vital role in helping patients regain movement, reduce pain, and restore daily function.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Evaluate patients with upper extremity conditions to determine appropriate treatment plans
  • Design and implement individualized rehabilitation programs
  • Use evidence-based techniques, including manual therapy, modalities, exercise prescription, and custom splinting
  • Educate patients and caregivers on home exercise programs and preventive care
  • Document patient progress and collaborate with physicians and healthcare providers
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming treatment environment

Why Join Us:
  • Supportive, team-oriented environment
  • Opportunities for continued education and training
  • Flexible scheduling options
  • Student loan repayment assistance
  • Health insurance (We pay 100% of your premium)
  • Relocation assistance
  • Paid time off & sick leave
  • 401(k) Contribution after only 1 year of employment

If you're passionate about helping others recover function and return to their daily lives, we'd love to hear from you!
Responsibilities
• Collaborate with physicians, occupational therapists/ physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care
• Evaluate patients and develop individualized treatment plans based on their specific needs
• Administer hand therapy treatments under the guidance of a physician to enhance mobility and reduce pain for patients
• Interview patients to understand their hand conditions, focusing on hand mobility challenges and injuries
• Educate patients on injury prevention, rehabilitation techniques, and home exercises
• Maintain accurate patient records and document treatment progress
• Stay current with advancements in hand therapy techniques and best practices
Qualifications
• A valid state license to practice in New Mexico
• Experience in hand therapy (CHT certification is preferred but not required)
• Exceptional analytical skills, strong communication skills, and keen observational skills are essential qualities for this role
• Passion for patient care and a commitment to improving quality of life