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Occupational Therapy Degree Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Occupational Therapy Degree information

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$67

How much do occupational therapy degree jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for occupational therapy degree 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 is an occupational therapy degree?

An Occupational Therapy degree is an academic program that prepares students to become licensed occupational therapists. The curriculum typically covers subjects like anatomy, psychology, therapeutic techniques, and clinical practice. Graduates learn to help people of all ages develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. Most programs require supervised fieldwork and lead to eligibility for national certification and state licensure. This degree opens doors to careers in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and community health organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive with an occupational therapy degree, and why are they important?

To thrive with an Occupational Therapy degree, you need a solid understanding of human anatomy, therapeutic techniques, and a degree in occupational therapy plus state licensure. Familiarity with assessment tools, adaptive equipment, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is typically expected. Exceptional interpersonal skills, patience, and creative problem-solving set outstanding occupational therapists apart. These competencies enable practitioners to deliver effective, individualized care that supports patient independence and rehabilitation.

What types of settings can I expect to work in after earning an occupational therapy degree?

With an Occupational Therapy degree, you can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies. Each environment offers unique challenges; for example, hospital work may be fast-paced with acute cases, while school-based therapy focuses on supporting children’s educational participation. As you gain experience, you may also have opportunities to specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or mental health. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is common, and you’ll frequently work alongside physical therapists, doctors, and social workers to create comprehensive care plans.

What is the difference between Occupational Therapy Degree vs Physical Therapist Degree?

AspectOccupational Therapy DegreePhysical Therapist Degree
Required CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, licensureDoctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), licensure
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, schools, rehabilitation centersHospitals, outpatient clinics, sports facilities
Industry UsageHealthcare, rehabilitation, educationHealthcare, sports medicine, rehabilitation
Common Search IntentOccupational Therapy Degree vs Physical Therapist Degree

The Occupational Therapy Degree and Physical Therapist Degree both prepare professionals for healthcare roles focused on patient rehabilitation. While they share similar credentials and work environments, occupational therapists focus on helping patients perform daily activities, whereas physical therapists emphasize restoring movement and physical function. Understanding these differences can help individuals choose the right career path in healthcare.

What can I do with an occupational therapy degree?

An occupational therapy degree prepares individuals to work as occupational therapists, helping patients develop or recover daily living and work skills. Graduates can work in hospitals, clinics, schools, or rehabilitation centers, often requiring licensure and clinical experience. The degree also provides a foundation for roles in research, education, or healthcare management related to occupational therapy.

What types of jobs can you get with an occupational therapy degree?

An occupational therapy degree qualifies individuals to work as occupational therapists in settings such as hospitals, clinics, schools, and rehabilitation centers. These professionals help patients develop or recover daily living and work skills, often using assessments and therapeutic interventions. Additional certifications may be required depending on the specific job or state regulations.
More about Occupational Therapy Degree jobs

What cities are hiring for Occupational Therapy Degree jobs?

Cities with the most Occupational Therapy Degree job openings:

What states have the most Occupational Therapy Degree jobs?

States with the most job openings for Occupational Therapy Degree jobs include:

Infographic showing various Occupational Therapy Degree job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,375 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Occupational Therapist

Mercy General Hospital

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$58 - $65.62/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description


Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Occupational Therapist, you will help patients regain independence and quality of life so they can safely perform daily activities.
Every day you will assess diverse patients (orthopedic, neurological, sensory, cancer recovery, etc.), develop treatment plans, and conduct evaluations/re-evaluations. You will be expected to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, document thoroughly, and provide positive, motivating care to a high volume of patients.
To be successful in this role, you will be flexible, adaptable, exceptionally organized, and a personable, motivating team player.

  • Provides Effective and Adequate Treatment: Implements effective and adequate treatment following department guidelines
  • Patient/Family Education and Training: Addresses patient/family education. Demonstrates a variety of teaching methods. Methods are appropriate to the level of understanding. Education is timely (initiated when patient/family capable of learning) and need is identified with action taken to initiate training
  •  Leads by example by providing necessary and appropriate treatment plan for support staff/student to perform treatment. Provides appropriate clinical supervision and feedback to support staff/students
Job Requirements

Required:

  • Completed an accredited Occupational Therapy degree program and be board eligible and able to obtain California Occupational Therapy license within six (6) months or have already obtained license
  • Previous experience as an Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapist student/ intern
  • Basic Life Support from the American Heart Associaton
Where You'll Work

Nestled in the heart of East Sacramento Dignity Health Mercy General Hospital is a 313 bed acute care facility that provides a wide range of services with special advocacy for the poor and underserved. Mercy General is home to the nationally ranked Alex G. Spanos Heart & Vascular Institute. Key achievements and recognitions include: from the Joint Commission; Advanced Joint Replacement Spine Center of Excellence Primary Stroke Center Ventricular Assist Device and Chest Pain Certification. Other accolades include CMS 5 stars Practice Green Health 2021 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade A Level 4 Epilepsy Center and Opioid Stewardship Honor Roll. Mercy General Hospital is proud to foster inclusion and diversity as part of our mission vision and values.

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Completed an accredited Occupational Therapy degree program and be board eligible and able to obtain California Occupational Therapy license within six (6) months or have already obtained license
  • Previous experience as an Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapist student/ intern
  • Basic Life Support from the American Heart Associaton
Employment Type: PRN