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New Grad Occupational Therapy Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Occupational Therapist - Durham, NC

Durham, NC · On-site

$36.50 - $48/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... • Provide occupational therapy services in a 1:1 setting to help abolish ageism. • Drive ... New Grads-FOX offers a widely recognized Emerging Professionals Mentor Program! What you'll get ...

Occupational Therapist II

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$33.50 - $44/hr

... our therapy programs. In addition to direct patient care, this role serves as a preceptor for new ... Teaches & supervises graduate Occupational Therapy students, fellows and residents . Develops or ...

Occupational Therapist

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$40 - $48/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience an Occupational Therapy career that's full of joy, purpose, and opportunities to grow ... new ways to deliver care, and being part of a team dedicated to helping senior patients live their ...

Occupational Therapist

Durham, NC · On-site

$40 - $48/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Live A Legacy. Experience an occupational therapy career that's full of joy, purpose, and ... new ways to deliver care, and being part of a team dedicated to helping senior patients live their ...

Occupational Therapist

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$40 - $48/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Live A Legacy. Experience an occupational therapy career that's full of joy, purpose, and ... new ways to deliver care, and being part of a team dedicated to helping senior patients live their ...

Occupational Therapist - Durham, NC

Durham, NC · On-site

$39 - $51.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... • Provide occupational therapy services in a 1:1 setting to help abolish ageism. • Drive ... New Grads-FOX offers a widely recognized Emerging Professionals Mentor Program! What you'll get ...

Occupational Therapist II

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$38.55 - $55.43/hr

... our therapy programs. In addition to direct patient care, this role serves as a preceptor for new ... Teaches & supervises graduate Occupational Therapy students, fellows and residents . Develops or ...

Occupational Therapist II

Apex, NC

$38.55 - $55.43/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Teaches & supervises graduate Occupational Therapy students, fellows and residents . Develops or ... Acts as clinical trainer for new employees hired into department as needed. Provides clinical ...

New

Occupational Therapist II

Moncure, NC

$38.55 - $55.43/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Teaches & supervises graduate Occupational Therapy students, fellows and residents . Develops or ... Acts as clinical trainer for new employees hired into department as needed. Provides clinical ...

New

Showing results 21-40

New Grad Occupational Therapy information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$22

$44

$65

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

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for new grad occupational therapy in Raleigh, NC is $44.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.60 and $49.52 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 near Raleigh, NC are hiring for New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most New Grad Occupational Therapy job openings:

Infographic showing various New Grad Occupational Therapy job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,735 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

Certified Occuipational Therapist

Abil-ot kids therapy

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$27.75 - $37/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

We are expanding and we are excited about it!

Abil-OT Kids Therapy is in search of a qualified, state-licensed occupational therapy assistant to treat a variety of diagnoses in the pediatric population. We are seeking a conscientious professional with at least one year of experience to join our team. The ideal candidate is a compassionate therapist devoted to patient advocacy, communicates with other members of the team effectively and respectfully, is professional and passionate about the role in helping children and families reach their goals. We are looking for someone who is eager to work with children in our clinic and within the community, experienced in providing occupational therapy and/feeding services, and interested in learning new and innovative treatment methods to enhance their clinical skills. The right candidate is flexible, passionate, empathetic, and encouraging, helping to inspire children and their families to achieve the optimum level of independence.

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT:

➔ Implement a treatment plan under the supervision of a licensed OTR for each patient that is client-centered including caregiver training.
➔ Provide quality therapeutic interventions in the clinic and community to adequately
support the treatment plan to facilitate functional outcomes and goal attainment.
➔ Participate in effective interdisciplinary communication to maximize client outcomes.
➔ Adequately document treatment interventions, patient progression, and discharge of skilled services in collaboration with the OTR according to approved medical and company documentation procedures.
➔ Practice adequate safety awareness and clinical judgment to keep patients and
therapists safe during treatments.
➔ Communicate compassionately, effectively, and productively with clients, caseworkers, and families for appropriate scheduling of evaluations, treatments, and ongoing care.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT:

➔ Associates of Occupational Therapy Assistant degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program per NBCOT standards.
➔ Active North Carolina Occupational Therapy Assistant license.
➔ Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification with AED.
➔ 1+ years experience working as an occupational therapy assistant (preferred)
➔ Experience with recommending assistive equipment/devices and facilitation of ordering equipment.
➔ Knowledge of Physical and Speech Therapy with an understanding of how their services can benefit patients.