1

Hand Therapist Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Hand Therapist 1

Rochester, NY · On-site

$69K - $93K/yr

CHT - Certified Hand Therapist upon hire preferred The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University ...

Physical Therapist JobID: 2079 * Position Type: Related Service Provider * Date Posted: 7/10/2026 ... Click on the "Apply" button in the upper right-hand corner to complete an application or log in ...

This is a 3x12 Nights, 19:00:00-07:00:00, 12.00-3 position in the RRT. Must have an active License in hand and have at least 2 years of recent RRT experience as a Respiratory Therapy . Requirements ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Hand Therapist information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$22.7K

$69.7K

$112.5K

How much do hand therapist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for hand therapist in Rochester, NY is $69,718.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $86,300.00 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.

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.

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 cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Hand Therapist jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Hand Therapist job openings:
Infographic showing various Hand Therapist job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,718 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

$69K - $93K/yr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


University Of Rochester rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

125th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

10 Miracle Mile Dr, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14623

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

500271 Hand Rehabilitation

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URCB 213

Compensation Range:

$69,326.00 - $93,600.00

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

Aids patients to correct and/or adjust to upper extremity disabilities by selecting, adapting and using appropriate physical/occupational therapy procedures, following physician's orders, or operating independently under New York State direct access statute..

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Evaluates the patients' functional upper extremity abilities and disabilities by tests, observations and information provided by family members, physician, nursing staff and others.

  • Plans a program of patient treatment related to upper extremity diagnoses, prognosis, emotional needs or problems, patient's environment, etc. working from physician's order.

  • Instructs and counsel patients and family in the use of equipment and techniques. Evaluates home facilities and suggests need adaptations and resources in preparation for patient discharge.

  • Recommends, obtains and instructs on the use of adaptive and assistive devices. Ensures appropriate safety practices and maintenance of equipment.

  • Determines types and frequencies of therapies. Provides treatments using a variety of procedures and therapies. Recommends modifications of program as needed to physician.

  • Maintains required patient and department records.

  • Keeps abreast of issues and changes in the field by reading and attending professional meetings and seminars.

  • Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy and completed relevant clinical education required

  • Master's degree in Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy preferred

  • Or equivalent combination of education and experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Basic foundational knowledge of Physical or Occupational Therapy Practice required

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • PT - Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist in New York State upon hire required

  • CHT - Certified Hand Therapist upon hire preferred

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University's Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create - and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

Notice: If you are a Current Employee, please log into myURHR to search for and apply to jobs using the Jobs Hub. Your application, if submitted using this portal, cannot be moved forward.

Learn. Discover. Heal. Create.

Located in western New York, Rochester is our namesake and our home. One of the world's leading research universities, Rochester has a long tradition of breaking boundaries-always pushing and questioning, learning and unlearning. We transform ideas into enterprises that create value and make the world ever better.

If you're looking for a career in higher education or health care, the University of Rochester may offer the perfect opportunity for your background and goals.

At the University of Rochester, we are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture and are united by a strong commitment to be ever better-Meliora. It is an ideal that informs our shared mission to ensure all members of our community feel safe, respected, included, and valued.


What University Of Rochester employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom