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Neonatal Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Neonatal Therapist information

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$35.5K

$63.9K

$112K

How much do neonatal therapist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for neonatal therapist in the United States is $63,943.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $69,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a neonatal therapist?

Neonatal therapists are specialized healthcare professionals—typically occupational therapists, physical therapists, or speech-language pathologists—who work with premature and medically fragile infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Their primary role is to support the developmental needs of these infants, promote optimal sensory, motor, and feeding abilities, and educate and empower families. Neonatal therapists collaborate closely with the medical team to create individualized care plans, helping infants achieve healthy growth and development during their early critical stages.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a neonatal therapist, and why are they important?

To succeed as a Neonatal Therapist, you need expertise in neonatal or pediatric occupational, physical, or speech therapy, usually supported by a relevant degree and state licensure. Familiarity with specialized neonatal assessment tools, feeding and sensory integration equipment, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is essential. Compassion, strong communication, and collaborative teamwork with families and NICU staff are vital soft skills. These qualifications and abilities ensure effective developmental care, family support, and improved outcomes for medically fragile infants.

How does a neonatal therapist collaborate with other members of the NICU team to support infant development?

Neonatal therapists work closely with neonatologists, nurses, lactation consultants, and social workers to create individualized care plans for infants in the NICU. They participate in interdisciplinary rounds, share observations on developmental progress, and provide recommendations for positioning, handling, and sensory interventions. This collaborative approach ensures holistic care, supports family involvement, and helps address both medical and developmental needs of premature and medically complex infants.

What is the difference between Neonatal Therapist vs Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist?

AspectNeonatal TherapistPediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
CredentialsMaster's degree in speech-language pathology or related field, state licensure, ASHA certificationMaster's degree in speech-language pathology, state licensure, ASHA certification
Work EnvironmentNeonatal intensive care units, hospitals, neonatal unitsSchools, clinics, hospitals, outpatient settings
Employer & IndustryHospitals, neonatal care centersEducational institutions, healthcare facilities

Neonatal Therapists and Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologists both require similar credentials and often work in healthcare settings. However, Neonatal Therapists specialize in early intervention for newborns in neonatal intensive care units, while Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologists focus on children in schools and outpatient clinics. Their roles overlap in communication and feeding therapy but differ mainly in patient age and work environment.

How to become a neonatal therapist?

To become a neonatal therapist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in a related health field such as nursing, respiratory therapy, or occupational therapy. Many employers prefer candidates with specialized training or certification in neonatal or pediatric therapy, and gaining experience through internships or clinical practice is beneficial.
More about Neonatal Therapist jobs

What states have the most Neonatal Therapist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Neonatal Therapist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Neonatal Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 51% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,943 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

Neonatal Therapist / PT / OT / PRN

Emory Healthcare

Johns Creek, GA • On-site

$60.50/hr

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Emory Healthcare rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 217 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 891 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview

PRN Neonatal Therapist Position (PT/OT)

Are you passionate about promoting motor development, sensory integration and functional skills in the NICU? We’re looking for an experienced NICU Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist to join our Rehabilitation Team at Emory Johns Creek Hospital.

About Our UnitOur 18-bed Level III NICU is entering an exciting phase of growth—both in patient volume and the sophistication of our developmental care programs. You’ll work alongside neonatologists, nurses and developmental specialists to shape best-in-class rehab services for our tiniest patients.

What You’ll Do• Provide specialized PT or OT services focused on positioning, muscle tone management, sensory regulation and early motor milestones• Collaborate closely with nursing, neonatology and family-centered care teams to optimize developmental outcomes• Help expand and refine our neonatal rehab pathways, including hands-on treatment protocols and parent education materials• Participate in process-improvement projects and interdisciplinary case reviews

What We’re Looking For• Licensed Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist with strong interest or experience in neonatal/developmental care • Comfort coaching families on positioning, handling, and early intervention strategies• (Preferred) Certifications such as CNT

Compensation & Schedule• PRN rate: $60.50/hour

If you’re ready to play a key role in advancing developmental care for our tiniest patients, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today and join a team where your expertise, ideas, and passion can truly make a difference.

Description

JOB DESCRIPTION: Provides comprehensive evaluations, treatments and education to patients/families which are consistent with patient's individualized needs and carried out within an interdisciplinary environment. Maintains an established inventory of supplies; ensures the proper use and maintenance of equipment and maintains a work area which is free of debris and clutter. Communicates regularly with members of the patient care team, the patient, family members and others involved with the patients care. Assesses the patient and identifies problems. Instructs and trains patient and family regarding pertinent aspects of the patient's care. Plans, develops and implements a result-oriented treatment plan responsive to the individualized needs of the patient and includes clear, measurable goals. Modifies the treatment plan according to the patient's responses. Plans treatment schedules which ensure optimal use of staff and equipment for providing high quality patient services. Provides direct patient care; performs specialized treatments according to the patient's individualized plan of care. Follows established protocols to document specifics related to the patient program/setting. Accurately records daily charges for services rendered. Practices organizational and universal standards for sterile technique and infection control in carrying out daily responsibilities including proper cleaning and sterilization of work surfaces, equipment and instruments. Performs other related duties as required. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from a Physical Therapy school accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Licensure as a Physical Therapist in the state of Georgia. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification in accordance with the American Heart Association required. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (Medium-Heavy) 36-75 lbs, 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 20-35 lbs, 34-66% of the workday; (frequently); 10-20 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 75 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 35 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking; Occasional sitting; Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing); Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure; Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors; Communicable diseases; Electrical shock; Floor Surfaces; Hot/Cold Temperatures; Indoor/Outdoor conditions; Latex; Lighting; Patient care/handling injuries; Radiation; Shift work; Travel may be required; Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators; environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

Additional Details

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare’s Human Resources at careers@emoryhealthcare.org. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.


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