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Hand Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Hand Therapist will effectively treat and rehabilitate the patient through post operative rehabilitation, preventive care, non-operative/conservative treatment or industry consultation. The ...

The Hand Therapist will effectively treat and rehabilitate the patient through post operative rehabilitation, preventive care, non-operative/conservative treatment or industry consultation. The ...

The Hand Therapist will effectively treat and rehabilitate the patient through post operative rehabilitation, preventive care, non-operative/conservative treatment or industry consultation. The ...

The Hand Therapist will effectively treat and rehabilitate the patient through post operative rehabilitation, preventive care, non-operative/conservative treatment or industry consultation. The ...

The Hand Therapist will effectively treat and rehabilitate the patient through post operative rehabilitation, preventive care, non-operative/conservative treatment or industry consultation. The ...

The Hand Therapist will effectively treat and rehabilitate the patient through post operative rehabilitation, preventive care, non-operative/conservative treatment or industry consultation. The ...

The Hand Therapist will effectively treat and rehabilitate the patient through post operative rehabilitation, preventive care, non-operative/conservative treatment or industry consultation. The ...

The Hand Therapist will effectively treat and rehabilitate the patient through post operative rehabilitation, preventive care, non-operative/conservative treatment or industry consultation. The ...

The Hand Therapist will effectively treat and rehabilitate the patient through post operative rehabilitation, preventive care, non-operative/conservative treatment or industry consultation. The ...

The Hand Therapist will effectively treat and rehabilitate the patient through post operative rehabilitation, preventive care, non-operative/conservative treatment or industry consultation. The ...

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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 Jun 12, 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.

Where do OTS make the most money?

Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) or similar roles in hand therapy typically earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare services. Salaries are also influenced by experience, certifications, and work setting, such as hospitals or specialized clinics, which may offer higher compensation. Overall, urban areas and states with advanced healthcare infrastructure tend to provide the highest earning potential for hand therapists.

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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

Hand therapists typically do not earn $2,000 a day; their salaries usually range from moderate to high, depending on experience and location. High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $2,000 daily often include specialized medical professionals like surgeons, anesthesiologists, or certain executive roles, which require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive experience. These positions are usually found in healthcare, finance, or executive management sectors and often involve long hours or high responsibility.

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.

Is it hard to become a hand therapist?

Becoming a hand therapist requires completing a relevant healthcare degree, such as a physical or occupational therapy program, followed by specialized training in hand therapy. Certification through the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC) is also typically required, and the process involves gaining clinical experience and passing an exam, making it a challenging but achievable career path for qualified therapists.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,660 per year, or $34 per hour.
Hand Therapist

Hand Therapist

OrthoVirginia

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


OrthoVirginia rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

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 offer full-time and part-time opportunities in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

With more than 159 physicians in over 35 locations-including Lynchburg, Northern Virginia, Richmond, Southwest Virginia, and Hampton Roads-OrthoVirginia is a leader in orthopedic surgery, non-surgical care, and physical, hand, and occupational therapy. Our nationally recognized specialists treat a full range of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, helping patients of all ages move, heal, and thrive.

Join us and become part of a trusted network committed to excellence in orthopedic care.

Position Summary

In a general orthopedic setting, the Hand Therapist will provide evaluation and treatment services to a variety of patients in accordance with the physician referral and Plan of Care, focusing on the hand and upper extremity. The Hand Therapist will effectively treat and rehabilitate the patient through post operative rehabilitation, preventive care, non-operative/conservative treatment or industry consultation. The therapist works closely with the physician and patient to provide a continuum of care. The therapist directs patient participation in activities and exercise programs to restore, reinforce and enhance performance. members. We provide several programs including a new graduate mentoring program, an APTA accredited residency program, and Sports Performance. Other benefits include CEU reimbursement, Medbridge membership, medical/dental insurance with HSA options and 401k.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

  • Performs detailed evaluations with patients to learn about their physical condition and symptoms.

  • Diagnoses movement dysfunction and other deficits in order to develop a treatment plan.

  • Communicates effectively with patients regarding expectations of treatment and achievement of patient goals.

  • Utilizes knowledge of patient's diagnosis, signs, and symptoms and results of diagnostic studies to determine the patient's level of function.

  • Interprets and organizes evaluation and assessment data.

  • Sets priorities and establishes realistic short term and long-term goals and outcomes.

  • Maintains patient records and documents goals and progress in a timely manner.

  • Instructs patients in how to properly perform therapeutic exercise techniques.

  • Guides patients appropriately through post-surgical protocols.

  • Make customized splints for patient as ordered Coordinates patient care with Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants, Physical Therapist Assistants, and/or therapy technicians.

  • Schedules patients effectively for productive time utilization.

  • Documents and maintains a plan of care for each patient that includes specific therapy orders in coordination with the medical plan of care.

  • Communicates effectively with the physician teams.

  • Communicates effectively and in a timely manner with front office, call center and billing staff when requested.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

  • Ability to provide instructions clearly with close attention to detail.

  • Must be able to collaborate with other patient care team members.

  • Demonstrate compassion and encouragement to patients experiencing pain and frustration.

  • Maintain a positive and motivating outlook with patients.

  • Able to remain flexible, adaptable and calm in unexpected situations.

  • Able to exercise sound judgment in stressful situations.

  • Ability to make a variety of custom splints and educate patients in proper use and care.

Position Requirements:

  • BS, MS, or Doctorate in Physical or Occupational Therapy from an accredited school

  • Current Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy License

  • Certified Hand Therapist designation or drive to become a CHT

  • Orthopedic practice experience in Hand Therapy preferred

  • Current CPR certification

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