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$45

$59

How much do hand therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for hand therapy in the United States is $45.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.14 and $50.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Hand Therapy vs Occupational Therapist?

AspectHand TherapyOccupational Therapist
CredentialsCertified Hand Therapist (CHT), OT or PT licenseOccupational Therapist (OT) license, possibly CHT for hand specialization
Work EnvironmentRehabilitation clinics, hospitals, outpatient settings focusing on hand and upper limb rehabHospitals, clinics, schools, and community settings addressing broader daily living and work skills
Industry UsageSpecialized in hand and upper extremity rehabilitationBroadly covers physical, mental, and developmental therapy across various body parts

Hand Therapy is a specialized field focusing on rehabilitation of the hand and upper limb, often requiring certification like CHT. Occupational Therapists have a broader scope, addressing overall functional abilities, but many also specialize in hand therapy. Both roles work in similar environments, but their focus and certifications differ, making them distinct yet overlapping professions in rehabilitation.

What is hand therapy?

Hand therapy is a specialized area of rehabilitation performed by occupational or physical therapists who focus on treating conditions affecting the hands, wrists, and upper extremities. Hand therapists assess and treat injuries or disorders to help patients regain function, reduce pain, and improve mobility in their hands and arms. They use a combination of manual therapy, exercises, splinting, and education to support recovery from surgeries, injuries, or chronic conditions such as arthritis. Their goal is to help patients return to their daily activities and work as independently and safely as possible.

What are typical collaboration opportunities for hand therapists within a multidisciplinary healthcare team?

Hand therapists frequently work closely with orthopedic surgeons, physiatrists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and nursing staff to provide comprehensive care for patients with upper extremity injuries or conditions. Collaboration often involves joint treatment planning, sharing progress updates, and participating in case conferences to ensure optimal patient outcomes. This team-based approach allows hand therapists to learn from other specialties, broaden their skill set, and contribute to holistic patient care, making the work environment both dynamic and supportive.

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 strong background in occupational or physical therapy, specialized knowledge of upper extremity anatomy, and often a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential. Familiarity with rehabilitation tools, splint fabrication materials, and electronic health records is important. Excellent interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to educate and motivate patients are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure effective rehabilitation, patient safety, and a positive recovery experience for individuals with hand and upper limb conditions.
More about Hand Therapy jobs
What cities are hiring for Hand Therapy jobs? Cities with the most Hand Therapy job openings:
What states have the most Hand Therapy jobs? States with the most job openings for Hand Therapy jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Hand Therapy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hand Therapy jobs are:
Hand Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hand Therapy job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 50% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 22% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,297 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

Occupational Therapist (Hand Therapy)

Hand Surgical Associates LTD

Metairie, LA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

About Hand Surgical Associates:
Hand Surgical Associates, located in Metairie, Louisiana, is a premier provider of specialized care for hand and upper extremity conditions. Our Hand Therapy Center providescomprehensive services, including therapeutic modalities to address hand injuries and diseases, potentially helping patients avoid surgery. We also provide completerehabilitation services for post-surgical recovery. Our hand therapists work closely with orthopedic and hand surgeons to monitor treatment effectiveness, ensuring optimalpatient outcomes and a return to a comfortable, productive lifestyle. Learn more at Hand Surgical Associates Hand Therapy Center.
Job Summary
Hand Surgical Associates seeks a skilled and compassionate Occupational Therapist to join our Hand and Upper Extremity surgical team. The role involves evaluating andtreating patients with various hand and upper extremity conditions, from post-surgical rehabilitation to non-surgical management of injuries and diseases. The therapist willcollaborate with leading orthopedic and hand surgeons to provide comprehensive care, helping patients regain function and improve quality of life. While Certified HandTherapists (CHT) are preferred, we encourage applications from Occupational Therapists interested in pursuing CHT certification and committed to advancing their expertisein hand therapy.
Responsibilities
Patient Assessment:
Conduct thorough evaluations of patients with hand and upper extremity conditions, such as fractures, nerve injuries, and post-surgical cases,to determine appropriate treatment plans.
Treatment Planning:
Develop and implement individualized treatment programs based on clinical assessments, patient goals, and evidence-based practices.
Therapeutic Interventions:
Provide interventions, including exercises, manual therapy, and modalities, to restore function and manage pain.
Splinting:
Design and fabricate custom splints and orthoses to support recovery and enhance functional outcomes.
Wound and Scar Care:
Perform wound care and scar management to promote healing and minimize complications.
Patient Education:
Instruct patients and families on home exercise programs, adaptive techniques, and strategies to improve daily living activities, such as dressingor grooming.
Collaboration:
Work closely with hand surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated, comprehensive patient care.
Documentation:
Maintain accurate, timely records of patient evaluations, treatment plans, progress notes in compliance with regulatory standards.
Professional Development:
Engage in continuing education to stay current with advancements in hand therapy.
Qualifications
Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
Current Occupational Therapy license in the state of Louisiana.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Strong knowledge of hand and upper extremity anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective patient and team interactions.
Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Strong organizational and time management skills to manage patient caseloads efficiently.
Preferred Qualifications
Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) certification from the Hand Therapy Certification Commission. (Preferred, but not necessary)
Previous experience in hand therapy or a related field; new graduates with a strong interest in hand therapy are encouraged to apply.
Familiarity with electronic medical records (EMR) systems.
Work Schedule
Full-time position, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, at the Hand Therapy Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Occasional After-Hours Rotation.
Physical Requirements
Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting and transferring patients (up to 50 pounds occasionally).
Manual dexterity to perform therapeutic techniques and fabricate custom splints.
Ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods during patient care and administrative tasks