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Assistant Occupational Therapist Jobs in Rochester, NY

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Assistant Occupational Therapist information

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$17

$29

$46

How much do assistant occupational therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant occupational therapist in Rochester, NY is $29.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.66 and $33.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant occupational therapist?

Assistant Occupational Therapists, often called Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs), are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of licensed Occupational Therapists to help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. They assist in implementing treatment plans, guiding patients through therapeutic activities, and monitoring their progress. OTAs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and nursing facilities, supporting individuals of all ages who face physical, developmental, or emotional challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant occupational therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Occupational Therapist, you need a solid understanding of therapeutic techniques, anatomy, and patient care principles, generally supported by a relevant associate degree and state certification or licensure. Familiarity with adaptive equipment, therapy documentation software, and standardized assessment tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to motivate and communicate effectively with patients and healthcare teams set outstanding assistants apart. These skills and qualities are vital to support patient progress, maintain accurate records, and ensure effective collaboration within rehabilitation settings.

What are some common challenges assistant occupational therapists face when supporting clients in diverse settings?

Assistant Occupational Therapists often work with clients from varied backgrounds and with different levels of ability, which can present challenges in adapting therapeutic activities to meet individual needs. Balancing administrative tasks, such as maintaining accurate documentation, with hands-on client care is also a frequent challenge. Additionally, assistants must effectively communicate and collaborate with supervising occupational therapists, families, and other healthcare professionals to ensure cohesive care plans and positive client outcomes.

What is the difference between Assistant Occupational Therapist vs Occupational Therapist?

AspectAssistant Occupational TherapistOccupational Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires a diploma or associate degree, supervised practiceRequires a bachelor's or master's degree in occupational therapy, licensure
Work EnvironmentAssists in therapy sessions, supports OT professionals in clinics, hospitals, schoolsConducts assessments, develops treatment plans, works independently with clients
Job ResponsibilitiesSupports OT activities, prepares materials, observes clientsPerforms evaluations, creates therapy programs, monitors progress

The main difference between an Assistant Occupational Therapist and an Occupational Therapist lies in their level of education, responsibilities, and independence. Assistants support therapists under supervision, while licensed occupational therapists independently assess and treat clients. Both roles are essential in healthcare and rehabilitation settings, but occupational therapists hold advanced credentials and greater responsibility.

How do you become an assistant occupational therapist?

To become an assistant occupational therapist, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a formal training program or certification in occupational therapy assisting. Some states require passing a licensing exam or certification, and relevant skills include knowledge of therapy techniques and patient care. Certification programs are often offered by professional organizations and may require supervised clinical experience.

What can an assistant occupational therapist do?

An assistant occupational therapist supports licensed occupational therapists by helping implement treatment plans, assisting clients with daily activities, and preparing therapy materials. They often work under supervision in healthcare or rehabilitation settings and may need certification or training specific to their role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Occupational Therapist jobs in Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Occupational Therapist jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Occupational Therapist jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Assistant Occupational Therapist jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Occupational Therapist jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Occupational Therapist jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Assistant Occupational Therapist jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Assistant Occupational Therapist job openings:

Assistant Occupational Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Occupational Therapist job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,671 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Occupational Therapist

Victor Central School District

Victor, NY • On-site

$49K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

From Ontario County Civil Service
Title: Occupational Therapist
Minimum Qualifications: Licensed and currently registered by the New York State Education Department as an Occupational Therapist and maintenance of such license throughout appointment.
Distinguishing Features of the Class: This is a professional position involving responsibility for evaluation, planning, and providing occupational therapy treatment to clients in accordance with written prescription or referral from a physician who provides medical direction. Supervision is received from a higher-level administrator with leeway in carrying out the details of the work. While supervision is not a major function of this title, oversight and instruction will be provded to Occupational Therapy Assistants, Occupational Therapy Aides and clerical employees assigned to the service. Does related work as required. 
Typical Work Activities: (illustrative only)






  1. Evaluated the degree of function and disability of clients unless contra-indicated by professional judgment or a physician's admission notes;
  2. Develops a treatment plan based upon his findings, short-and long-term rehabilitation goals and in accordance with the physician's, diagnosis, prescription, or referral;
  3. Performs occupational therapy procedures upon the written prescription or referral from a physician, utilizing a creative activity which may be manual, industrial, recreational, or educational designed and/or adapted to correct or remedy any disability;
  4. Fabricates and applies hand splints, trains clients in the use of adaptive assistive devices and/or self-help techniques to achieve maximum independence;
  5. Records on clients' charts all evaluations, re-evaluations, progress notes, consultations, and discharge summaries;
  6. Participates with other facility/department personnel in the formulation of clients' total car plans, medical diagnosis, and progress reports;
  7. Maintains program records including but not limited to the service budget, statistical reports of frequency and types of treatment and number of clients treated;
  8. Confers periodically with various therapists, nurses, and physicians regarding all facets of client care and related activities;
  9. Develops or assists in the development of occupational therapy policies and procedures;
  10. Participates in the selection of personnel in the occupational therapy service, assigns their duties and provides supervision;
  11. Assists in the development of and instructs in the facility's/department in-service education and programs.


Full Performance Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics:
Good knowledge of the principles, techniques and practices of occupational therapy; good knowledge of the operation and minor maintenance of apparatus and equipment used in occupational therapy; working knowledge of community resources available to support or supplement the occupational therapy program; ability to evaluate, plan and execute treatments for patients; ability to plan and oversee the work of others; ability to get along well with others; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
Salary: Minimum starting salary $49,500 (negotiable based on experience) 





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