ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

New Grad Occupational Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Upstream Rehabilitation

Occupational Therapist

Marietta, GA

$38.25 - $50.25/hr

Structured onboarding for new-grad Occupational Therapists and ongoing mentorship * In-house Residency/Fellowship programs and robust CEU opportunities - with annual allowance! * Path to clinic ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsNew Grad Occupational Therapy Jobs

New Grad Occupational Therapy information

See salary details

$23

$45

$67

How much do new grad occupational therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for new grad occupational therapy in the United States is $45.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.70 and $50.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of support and mentorship are typically available to new grad occupational therapists during their first year on the job?

New grad occupational therapists often receive structured support through formal mentorship programs, regular supervision sessions, and peer collaboration. Many employers pair new graduates with experienced OTs who provide guidance on caseload management, documentation, and clinical decision-making. Additionally, new grads may participate in orientation programs and continuing education workshops to further develop their skills. This supportive environment helps ease the transition from academic training to independent practice and fosters professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a New Grad Occupational Therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a New Grad Occupational Therapist, you need a solid understanding of human anatomy, therapeutic techniques, and assessment skills, usually validated by a master's degree in occupational therapy and passing the NBCOT exam. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), standardized assessment tools, and documentation software is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and empathy are valuable soft skills that help build trust and motivate patients. These competencies ensure that new graduates can deliver effective, patient-centered care and adapt to diverse clinical environments.

What are New Grad Occupational Therapists?

New Grad Occupational Therapists are individuals who have recently completed their occupational therapy degree and have either just obtained or are in the process of obtaining their professional licensure. They are typically in their first year of practice and are gaining hands-on experience by working with patients to help them develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. New grads often work under the guidance of more experienced therapists and participate in mentorship or orientation programs to transition smoothly into their careers.

What is the difference between New Grad Occupational Therapy vs Occupational Therapist?

AspectNew Grad Occupational TherapyOccupational Therapist
CredentialsMaster's degree in Occupational Therapy, passing the NBCOT exam, state licensureMaster's or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, licensed and certified
Work EnvironmentEntry-level settings such as hospitals, schools, outpatient clinicsVaried settings including hospitals, rehab centers, schools, private practices
ExperienceLess than 1 year, supervised or mentoredTypically 1+ years of experience, independent practice

In summary, New Grad Occupational Therapists are recent graduates beginning their careers with supervision, while Occupational Therapists have more experience and independence. Both roles require similar credentials, but experience level and responsibilities differ.

More about New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs
What cities are hiring for New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs? Cities with the most New Grad Occupational Therapy job openings:
What states have the most New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs? States with the most job openings for New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs include:
What job categories do people searching New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs are:
New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various New Grad Occupational Therapy job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,375 per year, or $45.4 per hour.
Therapist / Occupational Therapist Job in Waterloo, Iowa / Hospital

Therapist / Occupational Therapist Job in Waterloo, Iowa / Hospital

Infinity MedStaff

Waterloo, IA • On-site

$37.50 - $49.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Skilled nursing center is accepting applications for an experienced or new grad Occupational Therapist to work with geriatric caseloads in a skilled setting, SNF.
Must be currently licensed or eligible for licensure as an OT and/or registered as an Occupational Therapist per state requirements where currently practicing; Current BLS certification required.
Related Terms:
healthcare, health care, health careers, staff, manager, management, therapy, therapist, therapists, occupational therapy, occupational therapist, hospital, inpatient, outpatient, clinic, private practice, nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, rehab, rehabilitation, school, school based, clinical, long-term care, LTC, long term care, home health, orthopedic, early intervention, pediatric, geriatric, peds, ot, otr, otrl

Apply