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How to hire a rehabilitation therapist

Rehabilitation therapist hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring rehabilitation therapists in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a rehabilitation therapist is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new rehabilitation therapist to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a rehabilitation therapist, step by step

To hire a rehabilitation therapist, you need to identify the specific skills and experience you want in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and advertise the job opening to attract potential candidates. To hire a rehabilitation therapist, you should follow these steps:

Here's a step-by-step rehabilitation therapist hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a rehabilitation therapist job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new rehabilitation therapist
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    First, determine the employments status of the rehabilitation therapist you need to hire. Certain rehabilitation therapist roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A rehabilitation therapist's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, rehabilitation therapists from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    Here's a comparison of rehabilitation therapist salaries for various roles:

    Type of Rehabilitation TherapistDescriptionHourly rate
    Rehabilitation TherapistRecreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. Recreational therapists use a variety of modalities, including arts and crafts, drama, music, dance, sports, games, and community reintegration field trips to help maintain or improve a patient’s physical, social, and emotional well-being.$18-55
    Treatment CoordinatorA Treatment Coordinator is responsible for assisting the doctors and other medical professionals in performing treatment procedures and administering medications for the patients. Treatment Coordinators manage administrative duties, such as scheduling medical appointments, discussing the treatment plans to the patients, updating medical information on the database, and processing payments for the medical procedures... Show more$14-25
    Mental Health CounselorA mental health counselor is responsible for helping patients deal with their emotional and mental disorders by developing treatment plans and conducting regular counseling to track the patient's progress and condition. Mental health counselors encourage active communication from their patients, provide coping strategies for triggering situations, seek advice from other health care professionals, and guide patients on doing other activities that would help them relax... Show more$16-33
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Rehabilitation
    • Patients
    • Mental Health
    • Social Work
    • Patient Care
    • Physical Therapy
    • Art Therapy
    • Adaptive
    • CPR
    • Substance Abuse
    • Crisis Intervention
    • Clinical Supervision
    • Developmental Disabilities
    • Direct Care
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Provide PSR services to clients with mental illness in order to help them achieve the highest standard of living possible.
    • Administer cognitive rehabilitation therapy to traumatic brain injure patients through exercises design to improve memory and other global functions.
    • Maintain documentation of patients' participation and strength-base progress within group and individual therapy in accordance with regulatory standards.
    • Write patient assessments, and develop patient rehabilitation programs that better monitor the patients progress by including individualize treatment goals/objectives.
    • Implement management of assaultive behavior classes and CPR for staff, as well as proctoring new employees.
    • Identify presenting/existing barriers that impede adequate social-functioning and goal-attainment with the purpose of connecting patients to adequate resources within a community.
    More rehabilitation therapist duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your rehabilitation therapist job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A rehabilitation therapist salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

    For example, the average salary for a rehabilitation therapist in Tennessee may be lower than in New Jersey, and an entry-level rehabilitation therapist usually earns less than a senior-level rehabilitation therapist. Additionally, a rehabilitation therapist with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

    Average rehabilitation therapist salary

    $67,287yearly

    $32.35 hourly rate

    Entry-level rehabilitation therapist salary
    $39,000 yearly salary
    Updated January 23, 2026

    Average rehabilitation therapist salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$101,520$49
    2New Jersey$93,841$45
    3Oregon$89,500$43
    4Maryland$77,711$37
    5Pennsylvania$75,488$36
    6New York$71,860$35
    7New Mexico$63,753$31
    8Arizona$62,744$30
    9Texas$60,161$29
    10Michigan$56,587$27
    11Minnesota$56,464$27
    12Montana$52,700$25
    13Missouri$51,193$25
    14Colorado$49,953$24
    15North Carolina$48,323$23
    16Indiana$46,181$22
    17Florida$45,482$22

    Average rehabilitation therapist salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Dignity Health$126,742$60.9313
    2University Hospitals$112,306$53.99
    3California Department of Technology$86,584$41.63
    4RIMROCK$60,789$29.23
    5California Dept Rehabilitation$60,789$29.23
    6Healthcare Staffing Solutions Inc$60,789$29.23
    7Atrium Health Floyd$57,706$27.7436
    8Devereux Arizona$53,822$25.8826
    9PATH (People Acting To Help), Inc Community Mental Health$53,638$25.7917
    10Helen Keller International$53,621$25.78
    11VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION OF BOSTON$52,398$25.19
    12The State of Oregon$50,892$24.47
    13Johns Hopkins Medicine$50,463$24.267
    14BluePearl Vet$49,036$23.57
    15Minnesota State Fair$47,683$22.9218
    16My Florida Regional Mls$47,641$22.90
    17Alphapointe$47,210$22.70
    18State of Connecticut$43,760$21.04
    19AllHealth Network$38,966$18.7312
    20Select Medical$33,152$15.94339
  4. Writing a rehabilitation therapist job description

    A good rehabilitation therapist job description should include a few things:

    • Summary of the role
    • List of responsibilities
    • Required skills and experience

    Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a rehabilitation therapist job description:

    Rehabilitation therapist job description example

    Job DescriptionJob Description

    Can you join AllHealth Network? Yes you can - if you're excited by the thought of working with over 500 colleagues, 18,000 clients, being valued for the work that you do and can embrace the mission of the organization, which is to provide is to enhance quality of life for individuals and families in our community through compassionate, integrated behavioral health services.

    We are seeking a motivated individual to be a part of our Psychosocial Rehabilitation Team in a full-time (40 hours a week) capacity. The Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program (PSR) is an evidence-based program that supports adults experiencing significant life stressors in developing the social, emotional, and intellectual skills needed to live a meaningful life. PSR’s multidisciplinary team assists people in coping with life challenges through therapy, education, independent living skills, social support, and linkage to community resources and supports.

    Job Purpose:
    This position provides behavioral health consultation, biopsychosocial assessment, counseling, and evidence-based interventions to individuals, groups and/or their families utilizing strength-based and recovery models of service delivery.

    Goals and Objectives:
    Meet productivity standards for the job role.
    • Positively contribute to the financial health of the organization by ensuring delivery of billable services.
    • Provide therapeutic interventions and documentation to meet regulatory standards and/or contractual requirements.
    • Actively participate in and contribute to a team-based model to ensure integration of services and coordination of care to promote improved client outcomes.
    • Promote positive culture of collaboration within AllHealth Network.

    Duties and Responsibilities:
    • Provide comprehensive assessment, evaluation, crisis intervention and psychotherapy to individuals, families, and groups of clients with mental health and behavioral health needs.
    • Administer standardized screening tools to identify clients with behavioral health and/or substance abuse problems
    • Assist clients with symptom/issue reduction (e.g. insomnia, anxiety, depression, and post-trauma symptoms, stress management, emotional dysregulation)
    • Use evidence-based models for treatment, including but not limited to CBT, solution-focused therapy, behavioral activation, harm reduction, motivational interviewing and health psychology
    • Provide an integrated care approach to assessment and intervention for clients having difficulty managing their health due to physical health condition/chronic disease, psychological, behavioral, cognitive, or social factors
    • Work closely and collaboratively within a team approach to provide assistance in addressing social issues and basic needs that are barriers to effective treatment outcomes and the client’s ability to thrive. Linkage to case management services and/or community-based resources as needed
    • Develop a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan and goals for the client; updating and modifying as needs change
    • Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in EHR according to established protocols
    • Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to review client caseload, treatment, concerns, and recommendations
    • Positively contribute to the financial health of the organization by ensuring delivery of billable services and utilizing, monitoring, and collecting data for decision making and program improvements
    • Maintain positive, ethical, and professional working relationships with community, government agencies, and other professionals
    • Participate and contribute to team meetings, clinical supervision and other meetings, as needed, to ensure cohesive department operations
    • Enhance professional growth and development through participation in specialized training
    • Complete all required documentation accurately, legibly and within established timelines
    • Follow all AllHealth Network policies and procedures
    • Complete all required trainings as listed in Relias Learning within required timelines
    • Perform other duties as required within the scope of the position and the experience, education and ability of the employee

    Key Technical Skills and Knowledge:
    • Education: Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology or related field. Licensure required.
    • Experience: Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a clinical setting in the behavioral health field.
    • Demonstrate a high level of skill in assessment, evaluation and therapeutic engagement of diverse clients; use of evidence-based counseling models and techniques that match presenting problems; good diagnostic skills and treatment/care planning; and the ability to work with clinical documentation and electronic health records (EHR).
    • Knowledge of DSM V and working principles of recovery and trauma-informed care in treatment planning and in direct care. Experience working with individuals and families who experience various behavioral health problems.
    • Ability to operate PC-based software programs including proficiency in Word, Excel and other computer based systems.
    • Possess advanced written and oral communication, decision making and problem solving skills, and efficient time management. Excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a team; collaborating with other internal and external teams.
    • Must possess own transportation, have a good driving record, a valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance.

    Salary:

    LSW, LPCC, MFTC $48,000 - %52,000 annually - in addition this role is eligible for a quarterly bonus based on your individual performance

    LMFT, LPC, or LCSW $55,000 - $62,000 annually - in addition, this role is eligible for a quarterly bonus based on your individual performance

    The base salary range represents the low and high end of the AllHealth Network salary range for this position. Actual salaries will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to experience, education, training, merit, and the ability to embody the AllHealth Network mission and values. The range listed is just one component of AllHealth Networks’ total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include short-term and long-term incentives as well as a generous benefits package detailed below.

    Benefits & Perks for Employees Working 30 hours or more:

    First, you would be joining on of Denver’s Top Places to Work! We are honored to receive this amazing designation and we know it is recognition from our engaged staff who believe they are taken care of, listened to, and believe they are part of something bigger.

    Our facility is approved by the Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC), and we offer our employees the opportunity to participate in our Loan Repayment Program. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive compensation and benefits package which includes:

    • Positive, collaborative team culture
    • Competitive compensation structure
    • Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts
    • Retirement Savings 401k, company match up to 50% of the first 6% contributed
    • Excellent Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays Off
    • Additional Benefits

    AllHealth Network is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, parental status, ancestry, disability, gender identity, veteran status, genetic information, other distinguishing characteristics of diversity and inclusion, or any other protected status.

    Company DescriptionAllHealth Network (formerly known as Arapahoe Douglas Mental Health Network) is an organization that has been providing mental health and substance use counseling since 1955. We are deeply connected to our community in the south-Denver metro area. We are a mission-driven not-for-profit, private organization with a full array of clinical services available to all ages.

    We are a trusted family of mental health and substance use providers. Our warm, smart, compassionate clinicians (counselors, therapists, social workers, psychiatrists, case managers, nurses) offer a consistent model of clinical excellence with a focus on personalized goals for treatment. Whether this is your first call to seek services, a mental health emergency, or if you have been a client with us for years, our providers are here to serve you with an open heart and mind.

    C = Your neighborhood resource for...
    Care: We offer same day walk-in initial appointments in Littleton and Parker and 24/7 crisis care.
    Community: As a large community mental health center, we are able to offer mental health or substance use assessment appointments within 7 days of request.
    Connection: We help you build social connections and understand the importance of belonging.
    Crisis: our Walk-in Crisis center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide crisis evaluations for all ages.
    Conversation: We have almost 200 clinicians working in various programs across our Network—20 of whom are trained in Dr. Brené Brown’s The Daring WayTM to provide powerful conversation with clients who want to live freely and authentically.
    Counseling: Our highly skilled providers are trained in the latest, most effective, evidence-based practices with demonstrated outcomes.
    Co-Occurring: We offer co-occurring treatment for those dealing with both mental health and addiction.
  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right rehabilitation therapist for your business:

    • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your rehabilitation therapist job on Zippia to find and recruit rehabilitation therapist candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites such as healthcarejobsite, health jobs nationwide, hospitalcareers, medreps.com.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Your first interview with rehabilitation therapist candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new rehabilitation therapist

    Once you've decided on a perfect rehabilitation therapist candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

    You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

    To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a rehabilitation therapist?

There are different types of costs for hiring rehabilitation therapists. One-time cost per hire for the recruitment process. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, onboarding, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider all of these costs when evaluating hiring a new rehabilitation therapist employee.

Rehabilitation therapists earn a median yearly salary is $67,287 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find rehabilitation therapists for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $18 and $55.

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