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Occupational Therapy Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Occupational Therapy Researcher information

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$71K

$122.6K

$344K

How much do occupational therapy researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for occupational therapy researcher in the United States is $122,610.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Occupational Therapy Researcher, you need a strong background in occupational therapy, research methodology, and data analysis, often supported by an advanced degree such as a master's or PhD in occupational therapy or a related field. Familiarity with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R), academic databases, and research ethics certifications is typically required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective written and verbal communication are vital soft skills for success in this position. These skills ensure the rigor, reliability, and impact of research that can advance occupational therapy practice and improve patient outcomes.

What are Occupational Therapy Researchers?

Occupational Therapy Researchers are professionals who study the methods, outcomes, and effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions. They design and conduct research projects to advance knowledge in the field and improve patient care. These researchers often work in academic, clinical, or research institutions, collaborating with therapists and other healthcare professionals. Their work helps to inform evidence-based practice and shape policy and education in occupational therapy.

What is the difference between Occupational Therapy Researcher vs Occupational Therapist?

AspectOccupational Therapy ResearcherOccupational Therapist
CredentialsMaster's or Doctoral degree in occupational therapy or related field; research certificationsMaster's or Doctoral degree in occupational therapy; state licensure
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, universities, healthcare research centersHospitals, clinics, outpatient facilities, community health settings
Primary FocusConducting research to advance occupational therapy knowledgeProviding direct patient care to improve daily functioning
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, research, healthcare organizationsHospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers

Occupational Therapy Researchers focus on conducting studies to develop and improve occupational therapy practices, often working in academic or research settings. In contrast, Occupational Therapists provide hands-on therapy to patients in clinical environments. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in daily responsibilities and work settings.

What are some typical challenges faced by Occupational Therapy Researchers when conducting clinical studies?

Occupational Therapy Researchers often encounter challenges such as recruiting a diverse and representative participant pool, adhering to strict ethical guidelines, and securing sufficient funding for their studies. They must also balance collaboration with clinicians and other researchers to ensure studies are both scientifically rigorous and clinically relevant. Additionally, translating research findings into practical interventions that can be implemented in real-world settings requires strong communication and project management skills.
More about Occupational Therapy Researcher jobs
What cities are hiring for Occupational Therapy Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Occupational Therapy Researcher job openings:
What states have the most Occupational Therapy Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Occupational Therapy Researcher jobs include:
Infographic showing various Occupational Therapy Researcher job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,610 per year, or $58.9 per hour.
Occupational Therapist - Hand Therapy

Occupational Therapist - Hand Therapy

Select Physical Therapy

Lutz, FL • On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Select Physical Therapy rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

528th of 872 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview
Position: Occupational Therapist - Hand Therapist
Location: Lutz, FL
Schedule: Monday-Friday 8-5, expanding start-up with up to 3 evenings
Compensation: Starting at $75,000+/year, based on experience
Incentives: $10,000 sign-on bonus + $350/month student loan repayment
Select Physical Therapy is hiring a full-time Occupational Therapist - Hand Therapist for our outpatient orthopedic center in Lutz, FL. We treat a wide range of upper extremity conditions including tendon injuries, sprains, strains, and post-op fractures. Splinting experience is preferred.
We welcome:
  • Certified Hand Therapists (CHT)
  • Experienced OTs with at least 1 year of hand therapy experience

You'll work in a well-equipped center alongside top hand surgeons, using evidence-based practices and individualized care plans. We offer mentorship toward CHT certification and are part of a thriving national Hand Therapy program.
Apply today to join a growing team committed to clinical excellence in hand therapy!
Responsibilities
  • Responsible for the evaluation, plan of care, treatment, re-evaluation, discharge, and appropriate communications of high quality hand therapy services to patients and customers.
  • Develop treatment plans, supervise assistants and aides, contribute to case management, and provide quality patient care.
  • Maintain positive level of interaction with facilities and clients. Enhance and expand client relations with facilities and their staff.
  • Stay current and up to date with Occupational Therapy research and employ Evidence Based Practice (RCB, clinician expertise, patient perception).

Qualifications
  • Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy program
  • Active national registration and state licensure (required at start)
  • CPR certification
  • Valid state driver's license
  • Open to experienced OTs with at least 1 year of current hand therapy experience

Additional Data
Recharge & Refresh: Generous PTO to maintain a healthy work-life balance
Your Health Matters: Comprehensive medical/Rx, vision and dental plan
Invest in Your Future: Company-matching 401(k) retirement plans, as well as Life and Disability protection
Select Physical Therapy provides:
  • Structured clinical mentorship
  • An accredited orthopedic residency
  • Comprehensive clinical development and advancement programs

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About Select Physical Therapy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Select Physical Therapy is a leading physical therapy service provider in the United States, based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. The organization operates within the healthcare industry, specializing in physical therapy, athletic training services, sports medicine, and work health services. As an integral part of the broader health care community, Select Physical Therapy places a strong emphasis on helping patients overcome injuries, manage chronic conditions, recover after surgeries, and maintain an overall healthy lifestyle. Ever since its establishment, the company has been delivering effective and individualized in-person and tele-rehab services to meet each patient's unique needs.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

King of Prussia, PA, US

Year founded

1996

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