Student support
Elementary School Occupational Therapist
Helps students develop fine motor and daily living skills
- Pay range
- $55,000–$88,000
- Median
- $70,000
- Education
- Master's degree
- Job outlook
- Fast-growing
What you'll do
- Evaluate fine motor and sensory needs
- Provide therapeutic interventions
- Adapt classroom materials and tools
- Train staff on accommodations
- Develop sensory diets and strategies
- Support handwriting and self-care skills
A typical day
- Individual therapy sessions
- Sensory integration activities
- Fine motor skill groups
- Classroom consultations
- Equipment recommendations
- IEP participation
- Documentation and progress notes
Education & certification path
- Bachelor's degree in related field
- Master's degree in Occupational Therapy
- Complete fieldwork requirements
- Pass national certification exam
Required certifications
- State OT license
- NBCOT certification
- School-based practice certification
Career progression
- OT Student → Occupational Therapist
- Lead Therapist
- Rehabilitation Coordinator
- Private Practice Owner
Where and when you'll work
- Work environment
- Therapy room with sensory equipment, adaptive tools, and motor activities
- Typical schedule
- 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, typically serves multiple schools