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School Based Occupational Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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The school-based occupational therapist is responsible for evaluating, planning, and implementing occupational therapy services for students with disabilities or special needs within the school ...

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The school-based occupational therapist is responsible for evaluating, planning, and implementing occupational therapy services for students with disabilities or special needs within the school ...

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School Based Occupational Therapist information

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How much do school based occupational therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for school based occupational therapist in the United States is $44.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.41 and $50.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a school based occupational therapist?

School based occupational therapists are healthcare professionals who work within educational settings to help students develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and academic success. They assess students’ abilities and collaborate with teachers, parents, and other staff to support participation in classroom activities, self-care, and social interactions. Their goal is to help students with disabilities or developmental challenges access their education and participate fully in school life.

How does a school based occupational therapist typically collaborate with teachers and other support staff?

School-based occupational therapists work closely with teachers, special education staff, and other professionals to support students' participation and success in the classroom. They often consult with teachers to adapt classroom activities, develop individualized strategies, and provide training on assistive devices or sensory supports. Regular collaboration ensures that interventions are seamlessly integrated into students' daily routines, fostering a team-based approach to student development and progress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a school based occupational therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a School Based Occupational Therapist, you need a degree in occupational therapy, a state license, and expertise in pediatric assessment and intervention. Familiarity with IEP documentation, assistive technologies, and data collection systems is typically required. Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills help you work effectively with students, families, and multidisciplinary teams. These abilities are vital for supporting student participation, academic success, and overall well-being within the school environment.

What is the difference between School Based Occupational Therapist vs Pediatric Occupational Therapist?

AspectSchool Based Occupational TherapistPediatric Occupational Therapist
CredentialsOccupational Therapy License, State CertificationOccupational Therapy License, State Certification
Work EnvironmentSchools, Educational SettingsClinics, Hospitals, Pediatric Practices
Employer & IndustrySchool Districts, Educational AgenciesHealthcare Facilities, Pediatric Clinics
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both roles require similar credentials and often work with children, but School Based Occupational Therapists primarily serve students within educational settings, focusing on academic and developmental goals. Pediatric Occupational Therapists work in healthcare environments, providing therapy for children with various health conditions. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right fit for their skills and career goals.

More about School Based Occupational Therapist jobs

What cities are hiring for School Based Occupational Therapist jobs?

Cities with the most School Based Occupational Therapist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of School Based Occupational Therapist jobs?

The most popular types of School Based Occupational Therapist jobs are:

What states have the most School Based Occupational Therapist jobs?

States with the most job openings for School Based Occupational Therapist jobs include:

Infographic showing various School Based Occupational Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,898 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

School Based Occupational Therapist

Transformation Therapy Group

Harper Woods, MI • On-site

$48 - $52/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 28 days ago

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Job description

The school-based occupational therapist is responsible for evaluating, planning, and implementing occupational therapy services for students with disabilities or special needs within the school environment. The primary goal is to help students develop, improve, and maintain the skills necessary for successful participation in academic, social, and functional activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Conduct comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations to assess students.

2. Develop individualized intervention plans that target the student's specific needs and goals, addressing areas such as fine and gross motor skills, visual-motor integration, self-care, etc.

3. Provide direct occupational therapy services, including individual and group therapy sessions, to help students improve their functional abilities and achieve their goals.

4. Collaborate with teachers, administrators, parents, and other professionals to ensure a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to supporting students' educational and developmental needs.

5. Provide consultation, training, and education to school staff, parents, and other team members to help them understand and support the student's occupational therapy needs.

6. Document student progress, maintain accurate and up-to-date records, and complete required reports and paperwork in a timely manner.

7. Participate in the development and implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), 504 plans, and other educational plans.

8. Supervise/oversee COTA's.

9. Stay current with evidence-based best practices, research, and trends in school-based occupational therapy, and implement appropriate strategies and interventions.

10. Collaborate with community providers, agencies, and resources to ensure a seamless continuum of care for students and their families.

11. Maintain professional development, continuing education, and licensing/certification requirements.

Qualifications:

- Current license as an occupational therapist in the state of employment

- Experience working with children and adolescents, preferably in a school-based setting

- Strong knowledge of child development, educational practices, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) preferred.

- Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills

- Proficient in documentation, data analysis, and report writing

- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Work Location: In person