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New Grad Occupational Therapy Jobs in Springfield, MA

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Hartford, CT · On-site

$37.37 - $62.29/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... open to new graduates who have received their Licensure and are looking to find a position that offers growth and support. What we are looking for: * Master's degree in occupational therapy or ...

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Hartford, CT · On-site

$37.37 - $62.29/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... open to new graduates who have received their Licensure and are looking to find a position that offers growth and support. What we are looking for: * Master's degree in occupational therapy or ...

Occupational Therapist (OT)

South Windsor, CT · On-site

$39 - $51.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Support for New Grads: Our Powerback Clinical Mentorship Program kicks off on day one, helping you ... They must have a Bachelor's degree in an occupational therapy curriculum accredited by ACOTE ...

Occupational Therapist (OT)

South Windsor, CT · On-site

$39 - $51.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Support for New Grads: Our Powerback Clinical Mentorship Program kicks off on day one, helping you ... They must have a Bachelor's degree in an occupational therapy curriculum accredited by ACOTE ...

Showing results 21-40

New Grad Occupational Therapy information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$23

$45

$66

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

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for new grad occupational therapy in Springfield, MA is $45.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.56 and $50.77 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 Springfield, MA are hiring for New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MA with the most New Grad Occupational Therapy job openings:

Infographic showing various New Grad Occupational Therapy job openings in Springfield, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,044 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

Occupational Therapist - Travel Contract

Jackson Therapy Partners

Northampton, MA • On-site

$2.3K/wk

Other

Medical, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Make a meaningful difference as a travel OT with Jackson Therapy Partners! We’re seeking a dedicated and compassionate Occupational Therapist to help patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities regain or improve their daily skills while exploring a brand-new location.


Minimum Requirements

  • Bachelor's, Master's or Doctoral Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited educational program.
  • Active State License is Required to Start the Assignment
  • BLS Certification May Be Required from AHA or ARC
  • Valid licensure as an Occupational Therapist in Massachusetts required.
  • Current Basic Life Support certification (BLS) from the American Heart Association required.
  • Outpatient general occupational therapy experience required.
  • Experience in outpatient hand and neuro required.


Assignment Details

  • Monday and Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
  • Tuesday and Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
  • Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM.

Apply now and you'll be contacted by a recruiter who’ll give you more information!


Benefits Designed for Travelers

We deeply value your commitment to impacting others, that’s why we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package starting your first day. 


  • Weekly, On-Time Pay because that's how it should be
  • Full Medical Benefits & 401k Matching Plan
  • 24/7 Recruiter: Your main point of contact available by text, phone or email
  • Competitive Referral Bonuses
  • 100% Paid Housing Available
  • Travel & License Reimbursement 

Impacting Patient Care Nationwide

Join Jackson Therapy Partners as an occupational therapist and get the flexibility, stability, and growth you deserve. Enjoy full-time pay, benefits, and relocation assistance in travel contracts that let you explore your favorite locations while maintaining job security in diverse settings nationwide. Choose from a variety of career options including direct hire, temp-to-hire, and travel contracts using ProVenture, our AI-enhanced career app - designed for therapy professionals like you.


Location Highlights

Northampton offers a mix of arts, outdoor access, and regional connectivity in western Massachusetts. The city is home to Smith College and the Smith College Museum of Art, and the Norwottuck Rail Trail provides a paved route for biking and walking through the Pioneer Valley. Look Park sits minutes from downtown and offers trails, gardens, and recreation space, while the Mount Tom State Reservation is about 20 minutes away for hiking and scenic overlooks. Downtown Northampton features live music venues, independent bookstores, and local dining, and Interstate 91 provides direct access to Springfield in about 25 minutes and Hartford in about 1 hour.


EEO Statement

Jackson Healthcare and its family of companies are an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all of our associates.


Jackson Therapy Partners logo

About Jackson Therapy Partners

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since 2006, Jackson Therapy Partners has provided allied and therapy staffing for over 1,300 rehab facilities, schools, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities nationwide. Awarded Best of Staffing 2022 and Top Workplace by the Orlando Sentinel, our team of recruiters will inspire you, cheer you on, and lead with kindness while helping you build an adventurous, life-changing, travel career.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Orlando, FL, US

Year founded

2006

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