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Community Occupational Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Osceola, IA · On-site

$24.50 - $33/hr

... living communities across the Midwest to deliver individualized, high-quality physical ... Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - [Osceola, IA] Blue Stone Therapy is seeking an Occupational ...

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Osceola, IA · On-site

$24.50 - $33/hr

... living communities across the Midwest to deliver individualized, high-quality physical ... Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - [Osceola, IA] Blue Stone Therapy is seeking an Occupational ...

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Community Occupational Therapy information

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$17

$32

$46

How much do community occupational therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for community occupational therapy in the United States is $32.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.40 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by community occupational therapists when working with clients in their home environments?

Community occupational therapists often encounter challenges such as limited resources, varying home layouts, and the need to adapt interventions to each client's unique living situation. Building rapport with clients and their families is essential but can take time, especially when addressing sensitive issues like safety and independence. Additionally, therapists frequently collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, requiring strong communication skills to coordinate care and ensure holistic support for each client.

Where do OTAs get paid the most?

Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare services, such as metropolitan areas and states with advanced healthcare infrastructure. Salaries are also influenced by experience, certifications, and the work setting, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, or skilled nursing facilities.

What is the difference between Community Occupational Therapy vs Pediatric Occupational Therapy?

AspectCommunity Occupational TherapyPediatric Occupational Therapy
CredentialsOccupational Therapist (OT) license, possibly additional community health certificationsOT license, pediatric specialization certifications
Work EnvironmentCommunity settings, clinics, schools, homesHospitals, clinics, schools, outpatient centers
Employer & IndustryHealthcare agencies, community health programsHospitals, pediatric clinics, schools
FocusHelping individuals in community settings improve daily functioningSupporting children's development and daily activities

Community Occupational Therapy and Pediatric Occupational Therapy both require OT licensure and focus on improving daily functioning. However, community OT emphasizes working within community settings and serving diverse populations, while pediatric OT specializes in children's developmental needs within healthcare and educational environments.

Who makes more money, OTA or PTA?

In community occupational therapy settings, Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) generally earn higher salaries than Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs), due to differences in scope of practice and certification requirements. OTAs typically have a broader role in therapy planning and implementation, which can influence compensation levels. Salary varies by region, experience, and employer, but OTAs tend to have higher average wages than PTAs.

What is community occupational therapy?

Community occupational therapy is a branch of occupational therapy that focuses on helping individuals participate in meaningful activities within their communities. Occupational therapists work with people of all ages who may have physical, mental, or developmental challenges, aiming to improve their independence and quality of life. They assess clients' needs in real-world settings, such as homes, schools, or workplaces, and develop personalized interventions to enhance daily living skills, social participation, and overall well-being. The goal is to empower clients to engage fully in community life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Community Occupational Therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Community Occupational Therapist, you need a degree in occupational therapy, HCPC registration (in the UK), and solid clinical assessment skills tailored to community-based settings. Familiarity with assistive technology, care planning software, and mobility aids is typically required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and empathy are vital for building trust with clients and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies enable effective, client-centered interventions that promote independence and quality of life in diverse community environments.

What do community-based OTs do?

Community-based occupational therapists (OTs) work in local settings such as homes, schools, and community centers to help individuals improve their ability to perform daily activities. They assess clients' needs, develop personalized intervention plans, and provide therapy to promote independence and participation in community life, often using tools like activity analysis and adaptive equipment. These roles typically require relevant licensure and strong communication skills to collaborate with clients and other professionals.

How much do OTA make?

In North Carolina, Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) typically earn an average annual salary of around $55,000 to $65,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, certification, and work setting, such as hospitals or outpatient clinics.
More about Community Occupational Therapy jobs
What cities are hiring for Community Occupational Therapy jobs? Cities with the most Community Occupational Therapy job openings:
What states have the most Community Occupational Therapy jobs? States with the most job openings for Community Occupational Therapy jobs include:
Infographic showing various Community Occupational Therapy job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, 41% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 41% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,531 per year, or $32.5 per hour.
Occupational Therapy Assistant

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Blue Stone Therapy

Austin, MN • On-site

$24 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted just now


Blue Stone Therapy rating

4.2

Company rating: 4.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Blue Stone Therapy is certified as a Great Place to Work!
Blue Stone Therapy was founded in 2009 and provides contract physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology to communities in Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Our focus is to deliver optimal, individualized rehabilitation by highly skilled professional therapists while developing long-term partnerships between our staff and the communities they serve.
Are you passionate about enhancing lives? We are seeking an Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our team at Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin, MN! Join our Awesome team!
As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, you will work under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist to assist with the delivery of occupational therapy treatment interventions and services directly and indirectly, as outlined by an established treatment plan and in accordance with state practice guidelines. This position provides patient care to primarily adult and geriatric patients.
Essential Key Job Responsibilities:
  • Provides therapeutic treatment in accordance with the patients' established plan of care with a focus on functional and measurable outcomes.
  • Monitor patients' progress and report any changes to the Occupational Therapist.
  • Participates in training programs for community staff, patients, families, and rehabilitation staff.
  • Assists Occupational Therapist in establishing restorative nursing programs, as necessary, along with restorative nursing department efforts to provide appropriate comprehensive care to patients.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records.

Requirements
Education and Experience:
  • Successful completion of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work well in a team environment.
  • Compassionate and patient-centered approach to care.

License and Certification:
  • Current valid Occupational Therapy Assistant license to practice in appropriate state.

Benefit Summary:
  • Comprehensive healthcare options (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
  • Flexible Spending and Health Saving Account options
  • 401(k) with employer contribution
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays
  • And so much more!

*Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program
Blue Stone Therapy is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Salary Description
Salary Range: $24.00 to $35.00 per hour

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