Certified Hand Therapists (CHT), OT and PT
Hand Therapy Roles for Certified Hand Therapists
A strong hand therapy role usually comes down to the surgeon relationship, the caseload, and time for custom work. Here is what CHTs tell me they look for.
Confidential. No résumé needed for a first conversation.
What separates a strong hand therapy role
Ask each clinic about these, and if you can, talk to a therapist who already works there.
- Surgeon partnership: how closely you work with the hand surgeons, and how referrals and protocols are shared.
- Caseload: patients per day, visit length, and the mix of post-op, trauma and conservative care.
- Custom orthoses: protected time and supplies for fabricating splints.
- Mentorship: other CHTs on the team, and support for therapists working toward the CHT credential.
- Setting: orthopedic or plastic surgery practice, hospital hand clinic, or outpatient therapy group.
How hand therapy pay is usually structured
Most hand therapy roles pay a salary or hourly rate with benefits, and some add productivity bonuses or a differential for the CHT credential. Ask how productivity is measured and whether fabrication time counts toward it.
We do not publish a CHT-specific salary figure here because we have not found a public national source that separates certified hand therapists from other OTs and PTs.
For practices hiring a CHT
CHTs look closely at surgeon partnership and time for custom work. Our employer guide covers how to describe the role.
Frequently asked questions
What does a certified hand therapist earn?
Pay depends on region, setting and experience, and some employers add a differential for the CHT credential. We have not found a public national salary source specific to CHTs, so ask each employer how the credential affects pay.
Do I need the CHT credential to get a hand therapy job?
Not always. Many clinics hire OTs and PTs with hand therapy experience and support them toward the CHT credential. Some roles, especially lead roles, prefer or require it.
Orthopedic practice or hospital hand clinic: which is better?
Practices often offer close surgeon partnership and a steady post-op caseload. Hospital clinics may offer more trauma and complex cases and broader team support. The right choice depends on the work you want to do.
What caseload is reasonable for a hand therapist?
It depends on visit length and how much custom fabrication you do. Ask how many patients you would see per day and whether fabrication time is scheduled.
Can I talk about a move confidentially?
Yes. Conversations are confidential, and nothing is shared with any employer without your permission.
Talk it through, confidentially
A first conversation is private and there is no obligation. Nothing is shared with any employer without your permission.
Hiring for this role? Start an employer conversation