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Hand Therapy Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hand Therapist - PRN

Fair Oaks, CA · On-site

$38.59 - $57.89/hr

At OrthoVirginia, you're part of a team dedicated to delivering expert orthopedic and therapy care ... This role delivers focused evaluation and treatment for hand and upperextremity conditions ...

$38.59 - $57.89/hr

At OrthoVirginia, you're part of a team dedicated to delivering expert orthopedic and therapy care ... This role delivers focused evaluation and treatment for hand and upperextremity conditions ...

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Hand Therapy information

See California salary details

$19

$44

$58

How much do hand therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for hand therapy in California is $44.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.62 and $50.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hand therapist?

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.

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 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 cities in California are hiring for Hand Therapy jobs?

Cities in California with the most Hand Therapy job openings:

Infographic showing various Hand Therapy job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,062 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Certified Hand Therapist

Select Physical Therapy

Burlingame, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Select Physical Therapy rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

728th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview

Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) 

Burlingame, CA

Up to $20,000 SIGN ON BONUS

+

MONTHLY STUDENT DEBT REPAYMENT ASSISTANCE

Location:

1860 El Camino Real Ste 201

Burlingame, CA 90410

Compensation:

Salary Range: $100,000.00 up to $130,000.00 (Commensurate with experience)

Select Physical Therapy is seeking a full-time Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist, to treat various upper extremity disorders ranging from tendon injuries, sprains, strains, post-operative fractures, and more. We are looking to expand and further develop the hand therapy services at our center to support a growing community need and complexity level.

The Certified Hand Therapist will collaborate with our regional hand therapy coordinator to ensure you have the necessary resources for success. 

Candidate must have CHT or be scheduled to sit for CHT

Why join our nationwide team of amazing hand therapists?

  • National hand therapy program in 32 states with more than 300 CHTs nationwide, and an additional 300 hand therapists are a part of the national hand therapy program
  • Nationally supported mentorship program: therapists interested in pursuing their CHT credentials (available in most regions). Experienced therapists have the opportunity to become mentors.
  • Education Department offers: National UE Symposium, National Journal Club, National CHT Study Group, free local CEUs, webinar training programs, and additional certification courses available for UE COMT
  • Hand team meetings in each local area, virtual meetings, and training available.
  • Opportunities to observe in physician clinics and work in contracted positions in physicians’ clinics
  • Opportunity for research activities
  • Opportunity to develop and participate in program development for special populations
  • Hand therapy clinics are fully equipped and provide many treatment options

Our comprehensive benefits package supports your career growth and personal well-being:

  • Start Strong: Our mentorship and orientation programs ensure a successful transition
  • Education for Growth: Unmatched CEU program with paid national certifications
  • Recharge & Refresh: Generous PTO to maintain a healthy work-life balance
  • Your Health Matters: Comprehensive medical/RX, health, vision, and dental plan offerings
  • Invest in Your Future: Company-matching 401(k) retirement plans as well as life and disability protection
  • Ease the Burden: Our student loan repayment program helps alleviate the financial pressure of student debt
  • Specialized Care: Explore different specialties like aquatics, sports medicine, neuro, pelvic health, concussion care, hand therapy, and more
  • Advance your Career: Our Outpatient Clinical Advancement Program supports professional growth, clinical expertise with bonus incentives
Responsibilities
  • Responsible for the evaluation, plan of care, treatment, re-evaluation, discharge, and appropriate communications of high quality hand therapy services to patients and customers.
  • Provide comprehensive and individualized treatment programs.
  • Maintain positive level of interaction with facilities and clients. Enhance and expand client relations with facilities and their staff.
  • Stay current and up to date with Occupational Therapy research and employ Evidence Based Practice (RCB, clinician expertise, patient perception).
Qualifications
  • Graduate of an accredited school for occupational or physical therapy
  • Hold specialty certification or licensure in hand therapy
  • National registration and state licensure or registration required
  • Previous,demonstrated marketing experience
  • Solid experience in application of custom splinting pre and post-op orthopedic 
  • CPR certification
  • Valid state driver’s license
Additional Data

Go Anywhere with Us! 1900 centers in 39 states offering internal movement

Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans


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About Select Physical Therapy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Select Physical Therapy is a leading physical therapy service provider in the United States, based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. The organization operates within the healthcare industry, specializing in physical therapy, athletic training services, sports medicine, and work health services. As an integral part of the broader health care community, Select Physical Therapy places a strong emphasis on helping patients overcome injuries, manage chronic conditions, recover after surgeries, and maintain an overall healthy lifestyle. Ever since its establishment, the company has been delivering effective and individualized in-person and tele-rehab services to meet each patient's unique needs.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

King of Prussia, PA, US

Year founded

1996

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