ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Occupational Therapy Program Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOccupational Therapy Program JobsOccupational Therapy Program Director Jobs

Occupational Therapy Program Director information

See salary details

$45.5K

$76.9K

$113.5K

How much do occupational therapy program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for occupational therapy program director in the United States is $76,926.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $89,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Occupational Therapy Program Director vs Occupational Therapist?

AspectOccupational Therapy Program DirectorOccupational Therapist
CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, licensure, and often administrative certificationsMaster's or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, licensure
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, academic settings, program administrationClinical settings, hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers
Primary ResponsibilitiesOverseeing OT education programs, curriculum development, faculty coordinationProviding direct patient care, therapy assessments, treatment planning

The Occupational Therapy Program Director focuses on managing and developing OT education programs, requiring administrative skills and academic credentials. In contrast, an Occupational Therapist provides hands-on patient care, utilizing clinical skills to improve clients' daily functioning. Both roles require OT licensure and a strong understanding of therapy practices, but their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Occupational Therapy Program Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Occupational Therapy Program Director, you need advanced knowledge of occupational therapy practices, leadership experience, and typically a master's or doctoral degree in occupational therapy or a related field. Familiarity with accreditation standards, curriculum development software, and educational management systems is often required. Strong communication, organizational, and mentoring skills help foster faculty development and ensure student success. These competencies are vital for maintaining program quality, meeting accreditation requirements, and leading teams effectively.

What Does an Occupational Therapy Program Director Do?

An occupational therapy program director oversees staff and sets guidelines for occupational therapy (OT) programs. In this career, your duties include developing patient treatment plans, creating strategies to improve OT programs, and handling administrative functions such as budgeting, reports, and documentation. Your responsibilities may also include teaching staff members and patients the proper techniques to use during OT, implementing steps to reach program goals, and coordinating with other departments. An occupational therapy program director may work at a school with an OT program or in a clinical setting.

What does an Occupational Therapy Program Director do?

An Occupational Therapy Program Director is responsible for overseeing the administrative, academic, and operational aspects of an occupational therapy educational program. This includes developing curriculum, ensuring accreditation standards are met, managing faculty and staff, and supporting student outcomes. They also foster relationships with clinical sites and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements. Their leadership ensures the program prepares students to become skilled occupational therapists.

How much does a director of occupational therapy make?

The salary of an occupational therapy program director typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the organization. They often hold advanced degrees and certifications, and leadership skills are essential for managing staff and program development.

Is MOT or OTD better?

For an Occupational Therapy Program Director, an OTD (Doctor of Occupational Therapy) is typically preferred as it reflects advanced clinical and leadership training necessary for overseeing programs. An MOT (Master of Occupational Therapy) may be sufficient for entry-level clinical roles but is less common for director positions that require higher qualifications and administrative skills.

What is the highest paid OT job?

The highest paid occupational therapy roles are often in specialized settings such as clinical director, healthcare administrator, or occupational therapy consultant, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. Advanced certifications, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities typically contribute to higher compensation in these positions.

What are some common challenges faced by Occupational Therapy Program Directors in managing both academic and administrative responsibilities?

Occupational Therapy Program Directors often juggle academic leadership, such as curriculum development and faculty mentoring, alongside administrative tasks like compliance, accreditation, and budgeting. Balancing these responsibilities while ensuring high educational standards and supporting student success can be challenging. Program Directors also regularly collaborate with university leadership, clinical partners, and accreditation bodies, requiring strong communication and organizational skills. Successfully managing these diverse duties provides valuable experience and opportunities for career advancement within academic administration.

Do OTD get paid more than MOT?

Occupational Therapy Program Directors typically earn higher salaries than Occupational Therapy Managers due to their leadership responsibilities and advanced qualifications. OTDs often have more extensive education and may hold administrative or supervisory roles, which can lead to higher compensation compared to MOTs. Salary differences also depend on experience, location, and the specific healthcare or educational setting.
More about Occupational Therapy Program Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Occupational Therapy Program Director jobs? Cities with the most Occupational Therapy Program Director job openings:
What states have the most Occupational Therapy Program Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Occupational Therapy Program Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Occupational Therapy Program Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Occupational Therapy Program Director jobs are:
Occupational Therapy Program Director jobs near you
IMESD Occupational Therapist

IMESD Occupational Therapist

InterMountain Education Service District

Pendleton, OR • On-site

$62K - $95K/yr

Part-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
PT/OT/Licensed
Date Posted:
8/1/2025
Location:
Intermountain ESD
This is an on-going post for an Occupational Therapist
The salary range for these positions $62,261 - $95,870
For a full job description click on the link in the bottom right corner of this posting
Be a part of the IMESD team working together towards SUCCESS FOR EVERY CHILD!
https://youtu.be/9PZ3lGvbPJg
SUMMARY:
Occupational Therapist evaluates children in order to identify disabilities. Will meet with children and evaluate their skills and abilities. Occupational Therapist sets rehabilitation goals that are realistic for children and develops a treatment plan.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Provide evaluation and direct intervention with identified children; participate in the preparation and consultation of the Individual Education Plan (IEP)/Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) for children with disabilities.
  • Use a variety of evaluation and treatment techniques and provide consultation for services not requiring direct intervention by an occupational therapist.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy intervention procedures and report findings to appropriate personnel.
  • Use knowledge of individual child to best assess effective means of motivation and reward.
  • Provide sufficient training to all supportive personnel so they will be able to implement those portions of treatment plan assigned to them.
  • Supervise OT assistants and aides as per BOE requirements.
  • Provide supervision, direction and evaluation of occupational therapy trainees undergoing practicum training.
  • Assist with and/or initiate dissemination of information concerning occupational therapy services to the community, individuals and agencies.
  • Be attentive to the operational procedures at each school in which a program exists; keeps the building principal informed of the activities in their building.
  • Promote and participate in the ongoing improvement of the Physical/Occupational Therapy Program through development and implementation of innovative methods of evaluation, treatment, record keeping, and case coordination.
  • Assist Program Director in developing program goals that are supportive of the goals established by the Special Education Department of the ESD.
  • Develop personal annual goals, objectives and ensure that goals are accomplished.
  • Perform other reasonable duties that from time to time may be assigned to meet the usual and unusual demands placed on the organization.
  • Comply with ESD Performance Standards.

Attachment(s):
  • Occupational Therapist.docx

Apply