Occupational Therapy Jobs Near Me – Occupational therapy (OT) is a dynamic and rewarding healthcare profession focused on helping individuals of all ages live life to the fullest by promoting health and preventing—or living better with—injury, illness, or disability.
As demand grows across healthcare settings, many people are now searching for “occupational therapy jobs near me” to find the right opportunity in their local area.
Whether you’re a new graduate, an experienced therapist, or transitioning into OT from another healthcare field, this article provides a detailed roadmap for locating nearby job opportunities, understanding different roles, and advancing your career.
What Is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy Jobs Near Me – Occupational therapy helps people perform everyday tasks and improve their ability to live independently. This can include:
- Helping children with developmental delays
- Supporting adults recovering from injury or surgery
- Assisting older adults in adapting to aging or cognitive decline
- Enabling patients with disabilities to participate in work, school, or home life
Occupational therapists (OTs) use adaptive techniques, therapeutic exercises, and assistive technology to support their clients’ needs.
Types of Occupational Therapy Jobs
Before you start your job search, it helps to understand the different types of OT roles available locally:
- Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR)
These professionals conduct evaluations, develop treatment plans, and implement therapy sessions across settings such as hospitals, schools, and outpatient clinics.
- Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
COTAs work under the supervision of licensed OTs and help implement treatment plans, track patient progress, and provide hands-on therapy.
- Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Specializing in children’s development, these therapists work in schools, early intervention programs, or pediatric clinics.
- Home Health OT
These therapists provide care in patients’ homes, focusing on rehabilitation, mobility, and daily living tasks.
- Geriatric or Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) OT
Often employed in nursing homes or rehabilitation centers, these OTs help elderly patients maintain independence and adapt to age-related changes.
Where to Find Occupational Therapy Jobs Near You
Finding a local job in OT involves using multiple tools and strategies:
- Online Job Boards
Popular platforms to start your search include
- Indeed (use filters like “occupational therapist” + your city or zip code)
- LinkedIn Jobs
- Glassdoor
- ZipRecruiter
- SimplyHired
Most allow you to set location preferences and receive alerts for jobs near you.
- Specialized OT Career Portals
Check websites specifically focused on occupational therapy:
- AOTA Job Board (American Occupational Therapy Association)
- com
- org
- Health eCareers
These platforms often list jobs from reputable healthcare organizations and may offer filters for job type, experience level, and location.
- Local Hospitals and Clinics
Go directly to the careers page of nearby healthcare facilities. Common local employers include
- General hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Outpatient therapy clinics
- Children’s hospitals
- Mental health facilities
Visit their websites and apply directly to save time and increase visibility.
- School Districts and Early Intervention Programs
Occupational therapists are in demand in educational settings. Contact your local school district or regional early intervention programs for available positions.
- Networking
Connect with other OTs in your area through:
- Local AOTA chapters
- Continuing education events
- Facebook groups or LinkedIn communities
- College alumni networks
Often, jobs are shared through word-of-mouth or informal channels before they’re publicly posted.
What Employers Are Looking For
Occupational Therapy Jobs Near Me – To land an occupational therapy job near you, it’s essential to align with the expectations of potential employers. They typically seek
- Licensure in your state (OTR or COTA)
- Fieldwork experience or relevant clinical background
- Strong communication and documentation skills
- Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR)
- Certifications in specialized areas (e.g., hand therapy, sensory integration)
If you’re applying to a pediatric or geriatric position, tailored experience in those demographics is a significant advantage.
Tips for a Successful Job Search
Use these tips to have a successful job search.
- Tailor Your Resume
Highlight local experiences, specific populations you’ve worked with, and any special certifications. Use keywords from the job description to align with applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- Customize Cover Letters
When applying to positions near you, mention your interest in serving the local community and any ties you have to the area.
- Prepare for Interviews
Be ready to discuss clinical decision-making, patient case studies, teamwork, and conflict resolution. Also, research the facility beforehand to show you’re genuinely interested.
- Apply Promptly
OT positions often receive many applications, especially in desirable locations. Set up alerts so you can apply as soon as jobs are posted.
- Consider Contract or Travel Work
Some therapists find great opportunities by working short-term contracts or with travel therapy agencies offering local placements. These can lead to full-time positions.
Salary Expectations for Local OT Jobs
Salaries vary depending on location, setting, and experience. Here’s a general breakdown:
Occupational Therapists:
National average: $85,000–$100,000/year
Local rates may range from $70,000 in rural areas to $110,000+ in urban centers.
COTAs:
National average: $50,000–$70,000/year
In addition to salary, consider benefits such as
- Health insurance
- Continuing education reimbursement
- Sign-on bonuses
- Paid time off
- Retirement plans
Some employers also offer relocation assistance, especially in high-demand areas.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Local OT Job Market
Occupational Therapy Jobs Near Me – Here are some challenges and opportunities one faces in the OT job market:
Challenges:
- High competition in urban areas
- Variability in salary and benefits by setting
- Licensure and credentialing delays
Opportunities:
- Increasing demand due to aging populations
- Expansion of telehealth OT roles
- Growing need for pediatric and mental health OTs
- Flexibility in working across diverse settings
Conclusion
Occupational Therapy Jobs Near Me – Searching for “occupational therapy jobs near me” opens the door to a fulfilling and meaningful career in your own community.
Whether you’re looking for hospital-based roles, school district placements, or home health opportunities, there are many paths available.
Start by using trusted job boards, reaching out to local clinics, and networking with peers.
Prepare a standout resume, stay licensed, and be proactive in your search. With the right approach, you’ll soon find a role that fits your goals and lets you make a real impact in people’s lives, close to home.