1

New Grad Occupational Therapy Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Travel Occupational Therapist

Willmar, MN ยท On-site

$900 - $1.4K/wk

New grad occupational therapists considered with COTA experience * We provide complimentary housing and travel * We arrange and cover costs for licensing and malpractice * We simplify the ...

New graduate tuition reimbursement opportunities * Career advancement and leadership development Qualifications: * Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) or license eligible in the state of ...

New graduate tuition reimbursement opportunities * Career advancement and leadership development Qualifications: * Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) or license eligible in the state of ...

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Elk River, MN ยท On-site

$26.50 - $33.25/hr

Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) Location: GA Wellness - Elk River, MN Salary Range: $26.50 ... You'll also have the advantage of working in our brand-new therapy gym, equipped with updated ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

New Grad Occupational Therapy information

See Minnesota salary details

$22

$44

$65

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

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for new grad occupational therapy in Minnesota is $44.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.88 and $49.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a new grad occupational therapist?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a new grad occupational therapist?

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 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 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.

Can you start as a new graduate occupational therapist as soon as you graduate with a master's?

New graduate occupational therapists can typically begin working once they have completed their master's degree and obtained the necessary licensure or certification required by their region. Most employers require proof of graduation and licensure before employment, and some may offer supervised or entry-level positions to new graduates. Licensing exams are usually scheduled after graduation and are essential for independent practice.

How much do new graduate occupational therapists make after grad school?

New graduate occupational therapists typically earn between $55,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on location, setting, and workload. Entry-level salaries may vary based on state licensure requirements and demand for healthcare professionals in the area.

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most New Grad Occupational Therapy job openings:

Infographic showing various New Grad Occupational Therapy job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,432 per year, or $44.4 per hour.

Travel Occupational Therapist

CompHealth Inc.

Willmar, MN โ€ข On-site

$900 - $1.4K/wk

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

CompHealth Inc. is seeking a travel Occupational Therapist for a travel job in Willmar, Minnesota.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Occupational Therapist
  • Discipline: Therapy
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • Employment Type: Travel

CompHealth services are always free to you. Let us do the heavy lifting and handle the headache of credentialing, travel, housing, and so much more. With the premier staffing agency as your champion, you can achieve more success with less worry. No other agency has our capabilities and scale, which allows us to deliver on the details that matter to you.

  • Mon-Thurs 9 am - 5:30 pm, Fri 7:30 am - 4 pm
  • Adult and pediatric patients with variety of diagnoses
  • Hospital outpatient with some adult inpatient coverage
  • EMR: EPIC
  • Acute care, outpatient clinic, and pediatrics skills required
  • New grad occupational therapists considered with COTA experience
  • We provide complimentary housing and travel
  • We arrange and cover costs for licensing and malpractice
  • We simplify the credentialing and privileging process
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and a 401(K) plan
  • Your personal recruiter handles every detail, 24/7

Per week (based on a 40-hour week). Includes estimated taxable wages of $21.23 - $41.35 per hour and estimated tax-free reimbursements for meals, incidentals, and housing of $900 - $1,400 per week based on GSA guidelines (subject to eligibility, location, and seasonal adjustment).

CompHealth Inc. Job ID #JOB-3382635. Pay package is based on 8 hour shifts and 40 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: An Occupational Therapist Is Needed for Traveling Help in Minnesota

About CompHealth Inc.

 CompHealth is a full-service healthcare staffing agency, filling positions for those looking to hire as well as those looking to be hired. After 45 years in the business, we've built a reputation as the premier staffing agency, and our vast network of providers and facilities speaks for itself. With access to specialized teams, our unmatched resources allow us to pay careful attention to the things that matter to you, from the big, hard-to-solve problems to the tiniest details. Offering locum tenens, travel opportunities, permanent hires, telemedicine and more, weโ€™re able to achieve more success from every angle. 

Benefits
  • Company provided housing options
  • Benefits start day 1
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Medical benefits
  • Dental benefits

CompHealth logo

About CompHealth

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CompHealth is a national leader in healthcare staffing, serving providers in more than 100 specialties. With available positions in all fifty states, we can help you find an opportunity in the area and type of facility that best fits your needs.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Midvale, UT, US

Year founded

1979