1

Nicu Occupational Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Master's or Doctorate degree in Occupational therapy * Experience in a NICU setting required * CNT preferred * Must have DC License before start of employment * Current certification in Basic Life ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Nicu Occupational Therapy information

See salary details

$14

$62

$120

How much do nicu occupational therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for nicu occupational therapy in the United States is $62.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.87 and $78.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is NICU occupational therapy?

NICU occupational therapy refers to specialized therapy provided to premature or medically fragile infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Occupational therapists in this setting focus on supporting the infant’s development, including sensory processing, motor skills, feeding, and bonding with caregivers. They work as part of a multidisciplinary team to help infants achieve optimal growth and development, address challenges related to prematurity, and guide families in caring for their babies both in the hospital and at home.

What are some common challenges NICU Occupational Therapists face when working with infants and their families?

NICU Occupational Therapists often encounter challenges such as working with medically fragile infants who have complex needs, adapting interventions to rapidly changing health statuses, and supporting families who may be experiencing significant stress or uncertainty. Building trust and communicating clearly with both families and the interdisciplinary NICU team is crucial. Therapists must balance providing developmental care with medical priorities, all while advocating for the infant’s long-term well-being.

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

To thrive as a NICU Occupational Therapist, you need a master's degree in occupational therapy, state licensure, and specialized knowledge of neonatal development and interventions. Familiarity with assessment tools for infants, feeding and sensory integration techniques, and documentation systems is essential. Exceptional communication, compassion, and teamwork skills help in collaborating with healthcare teams and supporting families. These competencies are vital for delivering effective, developmentally appropriate care to fragile infants in a high-stakes environment.

How do you become a NICU OT?

To become a NICU occupational therapist, you must earn a master's degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program, obtain state licensure, and gain experience working with infants and in neonatal intensive care units. Certification in neonatal or pediatric therapy can enhance job prospects and demonstrate specialized skills.

What is the difference between Nicu Occupational Therapy vs Neonatal Therapist?

AspectNicu Occupational TherapyNeonatal Therapist
CredentialsOccupational Therapy License, possibly neonatal specializationTherapist license, neonatal specialization often preferred
Work EnvironmentNICU units, hospitals, rehabilitation centersNICU settings, hospitals, neonatal care units
Employer & IndustryHospitals, rehab centers, pediatric clinicsHospitals, neonatal care facilities, specialized clinics

Both Nicu Occupational Therapists and Neonatal Therapists work in neonatal intensive care units, focusing on infant development. While their roles overlap, Nicu Occupational Therapists often have a broader scope within occupational therapy, whereas Neonatal Therapists may specialize more specifically in neonatal developmental therapies. Both require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, making them closely related roles in neonatal care.

Can OTs work in the NICU?

Occupational therapists (OTs) can work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to support premature and ill newborns with developmental, feeding, and sensory challenges. They often collaborate with medical teams, use specialized assessments, and may require neonatal therapy certifications. Their role helps improve infants' long-term developmental outcomes in the NICU environment.

How to make 200k as an OT?

To earn $200,000 as a NICU occupational therapist, professionals typically need extensive experience, advanced certifications, and may work in high-paying regions or specialized settings. Increasing earning potential can also involve taking on leadership roles, working overtime, or gaining expertise in niche areas within neonatal care.

What field in OT makes the most money?

In occupational therapy, specialized roles such as neurorehabilitation or hand therapy tend to have higher salaries due to advanced skills and certifications. NICU occupational therapists, who work with neonatal intensive care units, also earn competitive wages, especially with experience and additional certifications. Overall, advanced specialties and leadership positions generally offer the highest earning potential in occupational therapy.
More about Nicu Occupational Therapy jobs
What cities are hiring for Nicu Occupational Therapy jobs? Cities with the most Nicu Occupational Therapy job openings:
What states have the most Nicu Occupational Therapy jobs? States with the most job openings for Nicu Occupational Therapy jobs include:
Infographic showing various Nicu Occupational Therapy job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 3% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,073 per year, or $62.1 per hour.
Occupational Therapist - NICU

Occupational Therapist - NICU

Radius Staffing Solutions

Bonita Springs, FL

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Occupational Therapist (OT) – NICU

Southwest Florida | Coastal Gulf Region

Full-Time | Day Shift | Direct-Hire


A leading healthcare system in Southwest Florida is seeking an experienced Occupational Therapist (OT) with NICU experience to join its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit team.

This is an opportunity to work in a collaborative, family-centered NICU environment supporting premature and medically complex infants. Enjoy coastal living, year-round sunshine, and a strong interdisciplinary team focused on neurodevelopmental excellence.


Responsibilities:

  • Provide occupational therapy evaluations and treatment in the NICU
  • Address neuromotor development, sensory regulation, positioning, and feeding readiness
  • Implement developmentally supportive, evidence-based neonatal interventions
  • Educate and support families in bonding and developmental care
  • Collaborate with neonatologists, nurses, and interdisciplinary NICU team
  • Complete documentation in compliance with regulatory standards


Qualifications:

  • Master’s or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy
  • Current or eligible Florida OT license
  • NICU experience required OR completion of NICU clinical rotation
  • Strong knowledge of neonatal development and family-centered care
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills


If you are a passionate NICU Occupational Therapist seeking a full-time opportunity in beautiful Southwest Florida, apply today to learn more about joining a team dedicated to exceptional neonatal care.




Radius Staffing Solutions logo

About Radius Staffing Solutions

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Radius Staffing Solutions operates as a boutique Permanent Recruiting Firm and searches on a contingent level. Radius’ differentiator is credited to our proprietary candidate database, consultative digital-footprint, and a competitive-advantage over the corporate operations. Today, our partners are getting the competitive-edge within talent recruitment. At Radius Staffing Solutions, we take pride in the talent we represent for permanent healthcare staffing opportunities. We do everything in our power to make you feel more than just a number – because you are! Our experienced Recruitment team is niched within each core competencies, allowing the conversation to flow and focus more on your personal and professional “whys”. Our business relationships are treated as partnerships, meaning that your needs are our own. Our partners are nationwide and stretch from metro-markets to rural locations. Although we do not have a magic drawer to find your perfect hire, we do have an incredible team of niched Recruiters and Researchers that make it seem like it’s that simple.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Davie, FL, US

Year founded

2017