Occupational Therapist Job Description Template (Free, 2026)
A complete, copy-ready Occupational Therapist job description covering ADL evaluation, adaptive equipment, OTA supervision, and 2026 salary benchmarks. Suitable for acute care, outpatient, SNF, home health, and pediatric settings.
Occupational Therapist Job Description Template
How to customize this Occupational Therapist job description
Four targeted edits that attract the right OT specialist and reduce early turnover.
Define the occupational focus
ADL retraining, hand therapy, cognitive rehab, pediatric sensory, school-based, low vision, mental health, and workplace ergonomics represent different OT specialties. Be precise so candidates self-select based on genuine interest and clinical background.
Describe OTA supervision model
State the number of OTAs the therapist will supervise and the supervision format (on-site, remote check-ins, co-treat). Supervision-heavy roles attract experienced clinicians who are comfortable mentoring; others prefer direct care only roles.
State the productivity standard
Disclose daily unit or visit targets explicitly. Undisclosed productivity expectations are the primary driver of OT dissatisfaction and resignation within the first 6 months. Transparency here directly correlates with 12-month retention rates.
Highlight adaptive equipment and tech
If your clinic uses specific splinting materials, dynamic orthoses, assistive technology tools, or cognitive assessment software, mention them. Candidates with hands-on experience with your existing equipment provide immediate clinical value on day one.
Occupational Therapist salary benchmarks (US, 2026)
Annual compensation ranges by care setting and experience, based on 2026 US labor market data.
| Setting | Experience | Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outpatient / Pediatrics | New grad–3 yrs | $70,000–$84,000 | Productivity bonus common |
| Acute Care / Hospital | 2–7 years | $80,000–$96,000 | Weekend differential applies |
| Hand Therapy (CHT) | 5+ years + CHT | $88,000–$105,000 | Premium for CHT credential |
| Travel OT (contract) | 2+ years | $90,000–$110,000 | Tax-free stipends included |
CHT certification commands 10–15% salary premium over generalist OTs. High-cost metros (CA, NY, WA) pay 15–30% above national median.
Frequently asked questions
What should an Occupational Therapist job description include?+
An OT job description should specify the practice setting, patient population, occupational performance focus (ADLs, upper extremity rehab, cognitive rehab, pediatric development), OTA supervision ratio, EMR platform, productivity standard, required NBCOT certification, state OT licensure, and specialty certifications. Compensation should disclose base salary, productivity bonus structure, and CEU reimbursement.
What is the average Occupational Therapist salary in 2026?+
OT salaries in the US in 2026 range from $70,000 for new graduates in outpatient or school-based settings to $100,000+ for experienced hand therapy specialists (CHT) or travel OTs. The national median is approximately $83,000–$92,000. CHT credentialed therapists and those in SNF or home health earn toward the top of the range. High-cost metros add 15–30% above the national median.
What certifications should an Occupational Therapist have?+
All OTs must pass the NBCOT certification exam (OTR/L) and hold an active state OT license. BLS/CPR is required in most clinical settings. High-value specialty certifications include: CHT (Certified Hand Therapist), SIPT (Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests), CAPS (Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist), BCPR (Board Certified in Psychiatric Rehabilitation), and FAOTA fellowship. School-based OTs may require additional state educational credentials.
Can I use this Occupational Therapist template in my ATS?+
Yes. Copy this template into any ATS including Treegarden. Configure screening questions for state OT licensure, NBCOT certification, setting experience, and specialty credentials. Post to OTJobLink, RehabJobs.com, AOTA Career Center, and Indeed. Treegarden plans start at $299/month with unlimited users.
Post your Occupational Therapist job in minutes
Treegarden helps therapy organizations manage OT recruitment from posting to first patient — with built-in screening, credential verification tracking, and interview scheduling.