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Hand Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$82K - $123K/yr

Hand Therapist Position At OrthoVirginia, you're part of a team dedicated to delivering expert orthopedic and therapy care across the state. As Virginia's largest provider of musculoskeletal care, we ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 ...

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Hand Therapist information

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$23K

$70.7K

$114K

How much do hand therapist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 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 is a hand therapist?

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.

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.

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.

How do you become a hand therapist?

To become a hand therapist, one must first 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 therapy or physical therapy. Afterward, gaining specialized certification in hand therapy through the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC) by accumulating required clinical hours and passing an exam is necessary; this often involves working in a clinical setting with a focus on upper extremity rehabilitation.

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, certification, and location. They often hold certifications such as Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) and work in hospitals, clinics, or outpatient settings.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,660 per year, or $34 per hour.

Hand Therapist

Las Cruces, NM • On-site

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Description
We're looking for a skilled and caring Hand Therapist to become a part of our dedicated team. In this role, you'll evaluate, create, and deliver personalized treatment plans for patients recovering from hand injuries, surgeries, or conditions affecting upper extremity function.
Benefits of working with 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
• Work closely with physicians and other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive patient care
• Assess patients with hand or upper limb conditions and create personalized treatment plans
• Provide hand therapy treatments under physician supervision to improve mobility and reduce pain
• Utilize proven techniques, including hands-on therapy, physical modalities, prescribed exercises, and individualized splinting
• Teach patients and caregivers how to perform home exercises and maintain preventive health practices
• Monitor and document patient progress while collaborating with medical providers
• Keep precise patient records and track treatment outcomes
• Maintain a sanitary, safe, and patient-friendly treatment environment
• Stay up to date with the latest hand therapy techniques and industry best practices
Qualifications
• Current and active license to practice in the state of New Mexico
• Experience in hand therapy (CHT certification is preferred but not required)
• This role requires excellent analytical abilities, effective communication, and sharp observational skills
• Passion for patient care and a commitment to improving quality of life