Occupational Therapist OT
Listed compensation
$62-$72/hr
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
Job Title
Occupational Therapist OT
Pay Range
$62-72/hour
Job Description
School-Based Occupational Therapist (OT) | Tacoma, WA | 2026–2027 School Year | Early Childhood
Ampersand Therapy is hiring a School-Based Occupational Therapist (OT) for the 2026–2027 school year in Tacoma, Washington. This position will support preschool students ages 3–5 in an early learning setting.
We are a women- and therapist-founded company working to elevate the employment experience for school-based professionals. Join a supportive team and help young students develop the skills needed to participate meaningfully and independently in their educational environment.
Job Highlights
- Location: Tacoma, WA
- Position: School-Based Occupational Therapist
- Setting: In-person, early learning program
- Grade Levels: Preschool, ages 3–5
- Anticipated Start Date: Early September 2026
- School Year: 2026–2027
- Schedule, FTE, and caseload details will be confirmed
Responsibilities
- Conduct occupational therapy evaluations and reevaluations
- Provide individualized and small-group occupational therapy services
- Develop and implement Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals
- Support students’ fine-motor, visual-motor, sensory-processing, self-regulation, and daily living skills
- Help students improve their participation in classroom routines, play, and early learning activities
- Recommend adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and environmental modifications when appropriate
- Track student progress and maintain accurate service documentation
- Prepare evaluation reports, progress reports, and other required records
- Participate in IEP meetings, eligibility meetings, and multidisciplinary team planning
- Collaborate with teachers, families, administrators, and related service providers
- Provide consultation and strategies to classroom staff and families
- Ensure services comply with state, federal, and district requirements
Qualifications
- Master’s or doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program
- Valid Washington State Occupational Therapist license or eligibility to obtain one
- Valid Washington Educational Staff Associate certificate or eligibility to obtain one
- Current NBCOT certification
- Must have current fingerprints on file with OSPI or be willing to complete
- Must provide at least two supervisory references
- Experience working with preschool-aged children preferred
- Previous pediatric, early-intervention, or school-based experience preferred
- Strong communication, documentation, organization, and collaboration skills
Benefits & Perks
- Paid Sick Leave
- Healthcare Benefits*
- 401(k) with company matching*
- Reimbursement for licensure, CEUs, and professional development
- Mileage reimbursement at IRS rate
- W-2 employee status with liability insurance coverage
- Referral bonuses
No Non-compete Clause
(*Healthcare benefits available for 0.8 FTE or higher after a short waiting period)
Why Work With Ampersand Therapy?
Ampersand Therapy is a local, women- and therapist-operated company founded by providers who understand what it’s like to work in schools. Our mission is to build a community of therapists who feel supported, appreciated, and empowered to make a difference. We proudly serve school districts throughout Western Washington and across several other states.
You’ll work alongside a small, passionate team of school-based specialists—some of whom are still active providers in schools themselves. We offer mentorship and support, especially for professionals who are newer to school-based practice, and are deeply committed to equity, sustainability, and community involvement.
Our Values
- Equity & Inclusion
- Community Engagement
Environmental Sustainability
Apply today to join a team of passionate school-based professionals and make a difference as an Occupational Therapist in Tacoma, WA!
Qualifications
- Education
- Doctoral or professional degree (postgraduate degree)
Key Skills
Occupational Therapist Career Context
In Washington, the Occupational Therapy weighted monthly median benchmark on WeekdayDoc is ~$113k (162 salary observations; 296 listings), vs ~$96k nationally (2,981 salary observations; 13,210 listings). Monthly aggregates cover 2026-01-01 through 2026-10-01; these are not the modal's selected comparable-job medians.
The cost-of-living index for Washington is 107.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$139k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $130k in an average-cost state. 59.8% of Washington clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Of the 46 active Occupational Therapy listings this role was benchmarked against, 2% are remote, 43% have no call, 70% require no weekends.
Occupational Therapy pay on WeekdayDoc is up 1.1% vs. the prior quarter (through Sep 2026).
Location & Logistics
Washington has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home pay compared to high-tax states. At the posted ~$139k midpoint, that is roughly $6k–$10k a year versus a typical 4–7% state rate.
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