Occupational Therapist Job Description (Responsibilities, Skills, Duties and Sample Template)

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If you’ve Googled “Occupational Therapist job description,” you’ve probably seen dozens of articles—and they almost all look the same.

Bullet points. Buzzwords. Boredom.

They list generic duties like “help patients regain motor skills” and “develop treatment plans.” But here’s the truth: those descriptions don’t actually attract great therapists. They don’t connect with mission-driven professionals who care deeply about helping others regain independence, confidence, and dignity.

At best, they feel like HR checklists. At worst, they feel like copy-paste content.

So if you’re hiring an Occupational Therapist and want someone who’s truly aligned with your values—someone who’s empathetic, communicative, and committed to patient care—your job post needs to do more than list tasks.

It needs to:

  • Reflect your company’s mission and values

  • Speak directly to the kind of therapist you want

  • Set clear expectations around process, pay, and purpose

In this guide, we’ll show you how to do just that.

Before we dive in, you might also want to check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ — it explains why most job posts fall flat and how to fix them.

But if you’re ready to craft a job description that connects, converts, and saves you time on the wrong applicants—let’s get started.

Don’t let bad hires slow you down.

WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.

What the Occupational Therapist Role Actually Is

An Occupational Therapist (OT) helps people do what matters most to them—whether that’s getting dressed, going to work, or simply regaining confidence after an injury, illness, or disability.

It’s not just about mobility or motor skills—it’s about restoring independence and dignity in someone’s daily life.

That’s why a great OT isn’t just clinically competent—they’re emotionally attuned. They know how to listen. How to adapt. How to bring both structure and compassion into every interaction.

They collaborate with patients, families, caregivers, and other professionals to build treatment plans that are personalized and practical. And they help people navigate both the physical and emotional challenges of recovery or long-term care.

So when you’re hiring for this role, you’re not just looking for someone who can check boxes—you’re looking for someone who brings heart, patience, adaptability, and purpose to their work every day.

Two Great Occupational Therapist Job Description Templates

We’ll provide two tailored job description options:

1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.

2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.

✅ Option 1: Experienced Occupational Therapist Job Description (Culture-First Style)

📌 Job Title: Occupational Therapist for Adult Neuro Rehab | Full-Time | $38–$50/hr
 📍 Location: Austin, TX (In-Person or Hybrid)
 🕒 Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00AM–4:30PM

🎥 A Quick Hello From Our Clinic Director

Want to hear directly from the person you’d be working with? Watch this short 2-minute video from Dr. Andrea Lewis, our Clinical Director, on what makes our team different and what kind of therapists thrive here.
 Watch the video

🏥 Who We Are

RestoreMotion Rehab is a specialty neuro-rehabilitation clinic in Austin that helps adults recovering from stroke, brain injury, or chronic neurological conditions like MS and Parkinson’s. For over 12 years, we’ve been known for combining cutting-edge therapy with personal, compassionate care.

We’re a close-knit, interdisciplinary team of OTs, PTs, and speech-language pathologists who believe in treating the whole person—not just the condition. Our work is deeply human, and we’re proud to help patients regain function, confidence, and independence.

💡 What You’ll Be Doing

  • Conduct in-depth assessments and build individualized therapy plans

  • Guide patients through therapeutic activities to improve daily living skills

  • Collaborate with PTs, SLPs, and family members to ensure cohesive care

  • Monitor progress and adapt treatment based on patient goals

  • Educate patients and caregivers on at-home care techniques

🎯 What We’re Looking For

  • Licensed Occupational Therapist (Texas)

  • 2+ years’ clinical experience, preferably in neuro or outpatient rehab

  • Strong interpersonal skills—you listen as well as you treat

  • Proficient in EMR systems and therapy documentation

  • A blend of clinical rigor and empathy

🎁 Perks & Benefits

  • $38–$50/hr depending on experience

  • 401(k) with matching

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance

  • Paid time off, 10+ holidays, and 2 wellness days

  • CEU allowance and paid training

  • Access to an on-site gym + mental health wellness stipend

🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit

At RestoreMotion, you’re not a cog in a machine—you’re a key voice in our care model. You’ll be working on meaningful cases that challenge and reward you, in an environment that supports collaboration and personal growth.
 We cap caseloads so you can focus on quality, not quantity. Your perspective matters here, and we make room for initiative, leadership, and autonomy.

📥 How to Apply

We use WorkScreen to make hiring fair and efficient. Instead of sorting through resumes, we use a skill-based evaluation that lets your experience shine.
 Apply here via WorkScreen. It takes just a few minutes, and we’ll keep you updated at every step.

✅ Option 2: Entry-Level / Trainable Occupational Therapist Job Description

📌 Job Title: New Grad Occupational Therapist for Pediatric Clinic | Full-Time | $35–$42/hr
 📍 Location: Atlanta, GA
 🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri, 9:00AM–5:00PM

🎥 Meet Your Mentor

Before you apply, hear directly from Hannah Kim, our Lead OT, about what it’s like to be mentored at our clinic—and how we help new grads build confidence and career momentum.
 Watch the video

🧒 Who We Are

BrightPath Kids Therapy is a pediatric outpatient clinic that supports children with developmental delays, sensory processing challenges, and physical disabilities. We’ve been part of the Atlanta community for 9 years and are passionate about empowering children through purposeful play, individualized therapy, and family-centered care.

We believe in growing great therapists—not just hiring them. Our culture is warm, mentorship-driven, and deeply collaborative. If you’re starting your OT career and want to feel seen, supported, and challenged—this is the place.

💡 What You’ll Be Doing

  • Help assess and plan treatment for children ages 2–12

  • Run therapy sessions focused on sensory integration, motor skills, and functional independence

  • Learn through co-treatments and peer shadowing

  • Document progress and contribute to team treatment reviews

  • Support parents in at-home routines that reinforce clinic goals

🎯 Who You Are

  • Licensed or license-pending Occupational Therapist in Georgia

  • Strong with kids—playful, empathetic, and patient

  • Great communicator with a growth mindset

  • Open to feedback, collaboration, and continuous learning

  • Bonus: Clinical experience in pediatrics during rotations

🎁 Perks & Benefits

  • $35–$42/hr starting pay

  • Full medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • Up to 12 PTO days in your first year

  • Paid CEUs and state license fees

  • Structured mentorship program with weekly 1:1 check-ins

  • Team lunches, wellness workshops, and community service days

🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit

You’ll be supported—not thrown in the deep end. We know how overwhelming your first OT job can be, and we’ve built an intentional path to help you thrive.

You’ll be mentored by clinicians who care about your growth, and work in an environment that’s as joyful as it is professional. If you’re driven by purpose, eager to learn, and ready to start your career with impact—this is your launchpad.

📥 How to Apply

We use WorkScreen to make sure your passion and potential aren’t buried in a résumé pile. Our application process includes a brief skill-based assessment to help us get to know the real you.
 Apply here, and we’ll be in touch within a few days.

Hiring doesn’t have to be hard.

If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.

Why These Occupational Therapist Job Posts Work

Each of these templates is built to connect with thoughtful, mission-driven candidates—not just anyone looking for a paycheck. Here’s why they work, and how each element contributes to attracting the right applicants.

✅ 1. Clear, Specific Job Titles

Instead of vague titles like “Occupational Therapist,” each post clarifies:

  • The setting (e.g., adult neuro rehab, pediatric clinic)

  • The experience level (e.g., new grad, experienced)

  • The location and format (e.g., in-person, hybrid, city)

This instantly improves relevance, helps with search engine visibility, and signals who the job is actually for.

✅ 2. Warm, Personal Introductions

Both posts open with an inviting, human-centered hook:

  • In the experienced post: “If you want more than a checklist of patients…”

  • In the new grad post: “Looking for a supportive environment to grow?”

These openings immediately speak to the values and emotions of top-tier candidates. They’re not clinical summaries—they’re invitations to belong.

✅ 3. Real Company Overviews (Not Filler)

Instead of saying “we’re a growing clinic,” the “Who We Are” sections share:

  • What the company does

  • Who they serve

  • How they work as a team

  • What they value

This gives candidates a feel for what they’re joining—and helps them opt in or out intentionally.

✅ 4. Human, Narrative Responsibilities

Tasks aren’t listed as robotic bullet points. Instead:

  • They’re described with purpose and context (“help patients regain confidence, not just mobility”)

  • They’re grouped in logical order (evaluate → treat → collaborate → track)

  • They feel like a day-in-the-life, not a to-do list

This makes the role feel tangible—and meaningful.

✅ 5. Flexible, Respectful Requirements

Both posts list core requirements but avoid rigidity:

  • They explain the “must-haves” clearly

  • They encourage applicants who are growing, not just polished

  • They include a “bonus if…” to widen the talent pool without lowering standards

This avoids scaring off good candidates who may not meet every bullet point.

✅ 6. Transparent Salary & Perks

Each post includes:

  • A clear hourly pay range

  • A detailed list of perks and benefits

  • Notes on schedule and paid time off

This builds trust, filters out misaligned candidates, and demonstrates respect for applicants’ time and expectations.

✅ 7. Why the Role Is a Great Fit

Rather than saying “we’re a great place to work,” these sections show:

  • How the team supports growth

  • Why the work is meaningful

  • How the role fits into the broader mission

They speak to the emotional payoff and professional upside of the job—something top performers care deeply about.

✅ 8. Thoughtful Application Process

Both posts:

  • Acknowledge the candidate’s time

  • Explain how WorkScreen makes the process more efficient and fair

  • Reassure applicants that they’ll be kept updated

This sets the company apart from 90% of other hiring processes that feel cold, slow, or dismissive.

✅ 9. Video From the Hiring Manager

Adding a short Loom or YouTube video brings the post to life:

  • It humanizes the employer

  • It builds instant rapport with the candidate

  • It increases response rates, especially among selective applicants

In a sea of text-only listings, this is a small move that dramatically improves engagement.

Example of a Bad Occupational Therapist Job Description (And Why it Fails)

Let’s look at the kind of job post you’ll find on dozens of job boards—and why it drives great candidates away.

🔻 Bad Job Post Example

Job Title: Occupational Therapist
 Company: ABC Rehab Services
 Location: New York, NY
 Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Summary:
 ABC Rehab is hiring an Occupational Therapist to join our rehabilitation team. The successful candidate will evaluate patients and develop treatment plans to improve their ability to perform daily living tasks.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Perform patient assessments
  • Develop treatment goals
  • Maintain documentation and progress notes
  • Coordinate with healthcare staff

Requirements:

  • Valid OT license
  • 1–2 years of experience
  • Strong communication skills

Salary: Competitive
 Benefits: Not specified

How to Apply:
 Send your resume and cover letter to hr@abcrehab.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

🚫 Why This Job Post Falls Flat

1. The Job Title Is Generic

It doesn’t clarify the specialty, setting (pediatrics, outpatient, inpatient), or level of experience. It could apply to any clinic, anywhere—and doesn’t filter in the right candidates.

2. The Intro Feels Like a Placeholder

“Hiring an Occupational Therapist to join our rehabilitation team” is about as generic as it gets. There’s no purpose, no mission, no human connection. It doesn’t answer the core candidate question: “Why should I care?”

3. The Responsibilities Are Vague

Tasks like “perform patient assessments” or “maintain documentation” are true—but also painfully bland. There’s no indication of the population served, the kind of work environment, or the impact the therapist will have.

4. No Mention of Culture or Values

There’s no insight into how the team works, what the company stands for, or what it feels like to be part of the organization. To a candidate, this signals: You’re just a number here.

5. Compensation Is Vague

“Salary: Competitive” is a red flag. It makes applicants assume it’s low or non-negotiable. Not listing even a range shows a lack of transparency—and drives away serious professionals.

6. No Perks, Benefits, or Career Development

There’s zero mention of what the candidate gets beyond a paycheck. Are there CEU stipends? Growth opportunities? PTO? Health insurance? The silence here is deafening—and costly in terms of applicant quality.

7. The Application Process Is Cold

The line “only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is common, but it’s also disrespectful. It suggests that candidates should expect to be ignored—and it offers no timeline, no feedback, and no communication.

8. Zero Personality in the CTA

“Send your resume to hr@abcrehab.com” is mechanical. It doesn’t invite, encourage, or inspire. There’s no sense that the team is excited to meet applicants or values their time and effort.

✅ The Takeaway:

This kind of job post may technically “cover the basics”—but it says nothing about the company, the candidate, or the why behind the role. Great OTs won’t apply. And the ones who do? Probably aren’t the best fit.

Bonus Tips to Make Your Occupational Therapist Job Post Stand Out

Once you’ve written a solid, human-centered job description, here are a few advanced touches that can take it from “good” to “remarkably effective.” These small additions make a big difference in how trustworthy, respectful, and appealing your job post feels—especially to high-quality candidates.

✅ 1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice for Applicants

Help candidates feel safe during the application process by reassuring them that their data and time are respected. This is especially important in healthcare, where privacy matters.

Example:

🔒 Important Notice: We take applicant privacy and safety seriously. We will never request payment, bank details, or personal financial information at any stage of the hiring process.

This small line builds immediate trust—and sets you apart from companies with sketchy or vague hiring practices.

✅ 2. Mention Leave Days or Flex Time

Most job descriptions emphasize tasks and responsibilities—but time off matters, too. When you mention things like PTO, mental health days, or flexible scheduling, you’re showing that your clinic values work-life balance.

Example:

“Enjoy 12+ days of paid time off, plus two wellness days each year to recharge and reset.”

This signals that your clinic prioritizes its team’s well-being—not just their output.

✅ 3. Highlight Training, Mentorship, or Growth Paths

This is especially important for newer OTs or those shifting specialties (e.g., adult → peds). Mentioning structured support communicates that you’re invested in their long-term success.

Example:

“We offer a structured 3-month mentorship program for all new hires, plus a $1,000 annual CEU stipend.”

This attracts motivated, curious, and growth-oriented candidates.

✅ 4. Include a Loom or YouTube Video From a Leader or Teammate

Already covered earlier in the templates, but worth emphasizing again: adding a 1–2 minute video from your hiring manager, clinic director, or even a current OT dramatically improves response rates. Why?

  • It builds emotional connection

  • It helps applicants feel more confident applying

  • It shows your clinic has real, approachable leadership

Tip: Use Loom or Zoom to record it. Keep it short, authentic, and relaxed.

Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4

✅ 5. Set Expectations for Communication

Most candidates are ghosted after applying—and they hate it. You can stand out immediately by telling them what to expect.

Example:

“We respond to every applicant, and you’ll hear from us within 7–10 business days after applying.”

It costs you nothing. But it earns tons of goodwill and strengthens your employer brand.

✅ 6. Use Inclusive Language Throughout

Avoid overly corporate or clinical phrasing. Instead of “must have X years of experience in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment,” say:

“We’re looking for someone who works well under pressure, communicates clearly, and genuinely cares about making a difference.”

It’s friendlier—and far more likely to resonate with empathetic, people-first candidates.

Should You Use AI to Write a Job Description?

The short answer?

Yes—but only if you use it wisely.

Lately, every hiring tool seems to offer “one-click” AI job descriptions. Platforms like Manatal, Workable, and even some HR plugins let you instantly generate a job post from a title alone.

But here’s the problem:

Instant AI-generated job posts are often generic, repetitive, and ineffective.

They lack context. They can’t reflect your unique culture. And worst of all, they attract low-effort applications from candidates who are also using AI to mass-apply—creating a feedback loop of mediocrity.

So here’s what to avoid—and how to use AI the smart way.

❌ The Wrong Way to Use AI

“Write me a job post for an Occupational Therapist at a healthcare company.”

This will get you:

  • A bland, buzzword-filled post

  • No personality or mission

  • Zero emotional connection

  • A flood of low-quality applications

It saves time—but at the cost of quality.

✅ The Right Way to Use AI

AI can still help—but only if you provide the raw ingredients it needs to write something valuable.

Here’s how to prompt AI more effectively:

🧠 Sample Prompt for AI Writing Tools:

**“Help me write a job post for our company, BrightPath Kids Therapy. We’re hiring a New Grad Occupational Therapist to help with pediatric therapy sessions focused on motor skills and sensory integration. Our culture is collaborative, supportive, and mentorship-driven. We want to attract candidates who are warm, eager to grow, and passionate about working with kids.

We offer:
 • Starting pay of $35–$42/hr
 • Paid CEUs and license fees
 • Structured mentorship for new grads
 • PTO, holidays, and wellness days

Here’s our hiring process:

  1. Candidates apply through WorkScreen

  2. We respond to every applicant within 7 days

  3. Shortlisted candidates receive an interview invite

I’ve also written a quick outline below to help shape the tone and structure [paste notes here]…”**

Then paste in your outline, values, or rough notes—and let AI polish the structure, improve clarity, or add professional flow.

You stay in control. AI becomes your assistant, not your author.

Final Rule:

Don’t let AI speak for your brand—let it support your voice.

The best candidates care about mission, tone, and trust. If your job post reads like a robot wrote it, they’ll scroll past you. But when it sounds like a real person, with a real purpose, you’ll attract the kind of applicants who want to make a real difference.

Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.

WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.

Need a Quick Copy-Paste Job Description?

We know that sometimes, you just need something solid—fast.

Maybe you’ve read the guide and understand what makes a great job post. But you also want a professional, ready-to-use template you can copy, paste, and customize in just a few minutes.

That’s what this is.

✏️ Important Reminder:
 Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
 This is a foundation, not a final draft.
 Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.

In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.

Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.

  • Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
  • Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.

✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)

📌 Job Title: Occupational Therapist – Adult Rehab | Full-Time | [$X–$Y/hr]
 📍 Location: [City, State or Remote]

🎥 Quick Intro From Our Clinical Director

Before applying, take a minute to meet the person you’d be working with. Here’s a short video from [Hiring Manager’s Name] explaining what it’s like to work with us and who we’re looking for.
 [Insert Loom or YouTube video link]

🏥 Who We Are

At [Company Name], we help adults regain independence after illness, injury, or surgery. From stroke recovery to neurological rehab, we offer patient-centered therapy that goes beyond the checklist—we focus on restoring dignity, movement, and quality of life.

We’re a collaborative, tight-knit team of therapists who value communication, curiosity, and compassion. If you’re the kind of OT who sees the whole person—not just the symptoms—you’ll fit right in.

💡 What You’ll Be Doing

  • Conduct patient assessments and develop customized treatment plans
  • Facilitate 1:1 therapy focused on functional recovery
  • Collaborate with PTs, SLPs, physicians, and family members
  • Document progress and adjust plans based on patient needs
  • Educate patients and caregivers on home-based therapy techniques

🎯 What We’re Looking For

  • Licensed Occupational Therapist in [State]
  • 2+ years of clinical experience (adult rehab preferred)
  • Strong written and verbal communication
  • Comfortable using EMR systems
  • Values-driven, empathetic, and collaborative

🎁 Perks & Benefits

  • [$X–$Y/hr] based on experience
  • Health, dental, and vision coverage
  • PTO, holidays, and optional wellness days
  • 401(k) + CEU reimbursement
  • Supportive caseloads + weekly check-ins

🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit

At [Company Name], your voice matters. You’ll have autonomy, mentorship, and the chance to make meaningful impact—not just meet billing quotas. We focus on quality over quantity, and we’re intentional about creating a healthy, rewarding work environment where you can thrive.

📥 How to Apply

We use WorkScreen to simplify and humanize our hiring process. Instead of endless resumes, you’ll complete a short skills-based evaluation to help us learn what you’re great at—quickly and fairly.
 [Insert WorkScreen Application Link]

✅ Option 2: Structured Format (Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)

📌 Job Title: Entry-Level Occupational Therapist | [$X–$Y/hr] | [Location]
 🕒 Type: Full-Time

🎥 Meet Your Future Team

Before applying, watch this short 2-minute video from [Team Lead’s Name] sharing what mentorship and team culture look like at [Company Name].
 [Insert Loom or YouTube video link]

🏥 Who We Are

[Company Name] is a values-driven outpatient clinic helping clients improve mobility, independence, and daily function. We work with patients across the lifespan, and we believe great care starts with great people.

We’re looking for an entry-level OT to join our team. If you’re eager to learn, ready to grow, and excited to build a career in therapy—we’d love to meet you.

Job Brief

This is an ideal role for a new grad or early-career therapist who wants hands-on training, mentorship, and exposure to a wide range of cases in a supportive environment.

Responsibilities

  • Assist in treatment planning and session delivery
  • Conduct therapy activities under supervision
  • Track client progress and contribute to team notes
  • Participate in training sessions and peer reviews
  • Communicate with families and caregivers

Requirements

  • OT License (or license pending) in [State]
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Passionate about helping people regain independence
  • Open to feedback and professional growth
  • Comfortable in a team-based setting

🎁 Perks & Benefits

  • Starting pay: [$X–$Y/hr]
  • Paid CEUs and training
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • PTO, paid holidays, and flexible scheduling
  • Mentorship program and clinical shadowing

📥 How to Apply

We use WorkScreen to evaluate all candidates fairly and efficiently. Skip the guesswork—apply via the link below and complete a brief, skills-based evaluation.
 [Insert WorkScreen Application Link]

Let WorkScreen Handle the Hard Part

Once your job post is live and attracting attention, the next challenge is figuring out who’s actually a good fit. That’s where WorkScreen comes in.

🚀 WorkScreen helps you:

✅ Quickly identify your most promising candidates

WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.

✅ Easily send one-click skill tests

With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.

✅ Avoid low-effort or AI-generated applications

WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.

✅ Hire with confidence—and speed

The longer you spend sifting through mismatched applications, the more momentum you lose.
 WorkScreen helps you move fast, hire smarter, and avoid costly hiring mistakes.

🎯 Ready to upgrade your hiring game?

 Sign up at WorkScreen.io to:

  • Create your job post

  • Generate a shareable application link

  • Automatically evaluate your next applicants

Start now and spend less time sorting—and more time hiring the right people.

Occupational Therapist Job Description - Frequently Asked Questions

In addition to clinical expertise, great OTs bring a combination of technical and soft skills that allow them to connect deeply with patients and deliver results. Here are key skills to prioritize:

  • Empathy and emotional intelligence – OTs work with people in vulnerable situations. The ability to build trust and communicate with compassion is essential.
  • Problem-solving and creativity – Each treatment plan needs to be adapted to individual needs.
  • Patience and resilience – Recovery is rarely linear. A strong OT remains steady and optimistic through setbacks.
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration – Great OTs coordinate with PTs, SLPs, doctors, and caregivers seamlessly.
  • Attention to detail – Especially in documentation, compliance, and goal tracking.
  • Adaptability – No two patients or days are the same. Flexibility is key.

In the U.S., the average salary for an Occupational Therapist is between $78,000 and $90,000 per year, depending on experience, setting, and location.

  • Entry-level OTs often start around $65,000–$72,000/year
  • Experienced or specialized OTs (e.g., neuro or pediatric) can earn $90,000–$110,000/year
  • Contract or travel OTs may earn more but often forfeit benefits

Tip: Transparent salary ranges in your job post can dramatically improve candidate trust and response rate.

In most countries, Occupational Therapists must:

  • Hold a degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program
  • Be licensed by the relevant national or state board
  • Maintain continuing education credits (e.g., CEUs) to stay certified

In the U.S., passing the NBCOT (National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy) exam is required before applying for state licensure.

While each clinic is different, common red flags include:

  • Vague or templated responses in the application
  • Emphasis on volume over quality of care
  • Poor communication or defensiveness in interviews
  • No interest in your specific population or clinic mission
  • Lack of questions about your treatment model or team structure

Make Your Next Great Hire With WorkScreen

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Author’s Details

Mike K.

Mike is an expert in hiring with a passion for building high-performing teams that deliver results. He specializes in streamlining recruitment processes, making it easy for businesses to identify and secure top talent. Dedicated to innovation and efficiency, Mike leverages his expertise to empower organizations to hire with confidence and drive sustainable growth.

Hire Easy. Hire Right. Hire Fast.

Stop wasting time on unqualified candidates. WorkScreen.io streamlines your hiring process, helping you identify top talent quickly and confidently. With automated evaluations , applicant rankings and 1-click skill tests, you’ll save time, avoid bad hires, and build a team that delivers results.

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