Hiring guide · Healthcare
How to Hire an Occupational Therapist
Pay benchmarks, qualifications, sourcing, screening and interview questions for hiring occupational therapists, plus a plan to get them productive fast.
Write a clear job description, offer competitive pay (the national median is $100,330), recruit through community college and vocational program career centers, verify NBCOT certification (OTR) where applicable, run a structured interview with a practical skills check, and onboard with a 30-60-90 day plan.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
The hiring market for occupational therapists
There are about 169,600 occupational therapists employed in the U.S., with roughly 10,000 openings each year. Employment is projected to change +14.8% from 2025–35 (much faster than average). Expect competition for qualified candidates: speed and a strong offer matter.
Pay benchmarks for offers
| Candidate level | Annual | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (10th–25th percentile) | $71,690–$82,510 | $34.47–$39.67 |
| Typical / mid-career (median) | $100,330 | $48.24 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $116,670 | $56.09 |
| Top of market (90th percentile) | $131,950 | $63.44 |
*Annual ÷ 2,080 hours except median. National BLS data; adjust for your state and metro area. Many states and cities now require pay ranges in job postings.
What to look for
Must-haves
- Master's degree (typical entry level)
- Licensing or certification required in your state
- Functional assessment
- Creativity
Nice-to-haves
- NBCOT certification (OTR)
- State OT license
- Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)
- Experience with adaptive equipment
Where to find occupational therapists
- Community college and vocational program career centers
- Clinical externship and student-placement partnerships
- State nurse aide registries and healthcare job boards
- Employee referral programs
- Job postings that use common alternate titles: OT, OTR/L, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Hand Therapist
Screening checklist
- Verify certifications and state registry or license status with the issuing body
- Background checks and federal exclusion-list (OIG LEIE) screening as required for your organization
- Immunization records, TB testing and drug screening according to policy and law
- Current BLS/CPR certification
Follow federal, state and local rules on background checks, drug testing and fair-chance hiring, and apply screening consistently to all candidates for the role.
Interview questions to ask
Ask every candidate the same questions and score answers on a structured scorecard.
1. “Why occupational therapy?”
What a strong answer includes: Share motivation.
2. “How do you set functional goals?”
What a strong answer includes: Give examples.
3. “Describe a creative solution you found.”
What a strong answer includes: Share.
4. “Which setting interests you?”
What a strong answer includes: Explain.
5. “How do you work with families?”
What a strong answer includes: Show communication.
Practical skills checks
A short demonstration beats a perfect resume. Ask candidates to talk you through, or perform under supervision, tasks such as:
- Teach One-Handed Dressing (see the steps)
- Conduct a Home Safety Assessment (see the steps)
- Fabricate a Hand Splint (see the steps)
Red flags
- Can’t describe basic safety practices for the role
- Vague or inconsistent work history with no explanation
- Unfamiliar with core terms such as ADLs, IADLs, Fine motor skills
- Negative talk about every past employer or coworker
Onboard for retention
The first 90 days decide whether a new hire stays. Use our Occupational Therapist 30-60-90 day onboarding plan and give every new hire the same foundation with Occupational Therapist training. Show them the path forward: Staff OT → Specialist OT → Rehab Manager → Director or Faculty.
Hiring occupational therapists: FAQ
How much should I pay an occupational therapist?
The U.S. median wage for occupational therapists is $100,330 per year ($48.24/hour), according to BLS May 2025 data. Entry-level offers often fall near the 25th percentile ($82,510), while experienced hires command closer to the 75th percentile ($116,670). Adjust for your local market.
What qualifications should an occupational therapist have?
BLS lists “master's degree” as the typical entry-level education. Look for NBCOT certification (OTR) and State OT license where relevant, plus skills such as functional assessment, activities of daily living training, and adaptive equipment.
How long does it take to train a new occupational therapist?
Becoming qualified typically takes 6–7 years. After hire, plan for a structured 30-60-90 day onboarding period; BLS classifies on-the-job training for this occupation as “none.”