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Entry Level Cota Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jobfinderz, Inc

COTA

Concord, CA

$31.25 - $41.75/hr

May perform other duties as assigned Entry-level to Experienced. Physical Requirements: A. Ability ... COTA, certified Occupational Therapist Assistant, PTA, Physical Therapist Assistant, HH, Ortho, ...

Jobfinderz, Inc

COTA

Concord, CA · On-site

$31.25 - $41.75/hr

... Entry-level to Experienced. Physical Requirements: A. Ability to bend, reach, or assist to transfer ... COTA, certified Occupational Therapist Assistant, PTA, Physical Therapist Assistant, HH, Ortho, ...

Jobfinderz, Inc

COTA

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$32.50 - $43.25/hr

... Entry-level to Experienced. Physical Requirements: A. Ability to bend, reach, or assist to transfer ... COTA, certified Occupational Therapist Assistant, PTA, Physical Therapist Assistant, HH, Ortho, ...

Jobfinderz, Inc

COTA

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$27.25 - $36.50/hr

... Entry-level to Experienced. Physical Requirements: A. Ability to bend, reach, or assist to transfer ... COTA, certified Occupational Therapist Assistant, PTA, Physical Therapist Assistant, HH, Ortho, ...

Jobfinderz, Inc

COTA

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$32.50 - $43.25/hr

May perform other duties as assigned Entry-level to Experienced. Physical Requirements: A. Ability ... COTA, certified Occupational Therapist Assistant, PTA, Physical Therapist Assistant, HH, Ortho, ...

The Heritage Center

PRN COTA

Evansville, IN

$25/hr

In this role, the COTA will work with Med A rehab residents as well as long-term care residents ... Graduate of accredited entry level Occupational Therapy Assistant Program * Certified by the ...

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Johnston-Willis Hospital

COTA

Mechanicsville, VA · On-site

$24.87 - $34.82/hr

EXPERIENCE Required - no experience required for entry level position Preferred - at least 1 year ... COTA opening. We promptly review all applications. Highly qualified candidates will be directly ...

Johnston-Willis Hospital

COTA

Tuckahoe, VA · On-site

$24.87 - $34.82/hr

EXPERIENCE Required - no experience required for entry level position Preferred - at least 1 year ... COTA opening. We promptly review all applications. Highly qualified candidates will be directly ...

Johnston-Willis Hospital

COTA

Richmond, VA · On-site

$24.87 - $34.82/hr

EXPERIENCE Required - no experience required for entry level position Preferred - at least 1 year ... COTA opening. We promptly review all applications. Highly qualified candidates will be directly ...

UC Davis Health

COTA Per Diem

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$47.37/hr

Certified Occupational Therapist Asst (COTA) * Must possess current National Certification as an ... This entry-level staff therapist will be able to carry a patient's case * 5% - Educational ...

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Entry Level Cota information

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How much do entry level cota jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cota 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 is the difference between Entry Level Cota vs Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?

AspectEntry Level CotaCertified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
CertificationsRequires COTA certification, often after completing an accredited occupational therapy assistant programRequires CNA certification, typically after completing a state-approved training program
Work EnvironmentWorks under occupational therapists in clinics, hospitals, rehab centersWorks directly with patients in hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssists with occupational therapy treatments, helps patients improve daily living skillsProvides basic patient care, assists with activities of daily living, takes vital signs

While both roles involve patient care, Entry Level Cotas focus on occupational therapy support and require specific occupational therapy assistant certification, working mainly in rehab settings. CNAs provide basic care and work directly with patients in various healthcare environments. The roles differ in scope, certification, and daily responsibilities, but both are essential in healthcare teams.

How does an entry-level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) typically interact with occupational therapists and other healthcare team members?

As an entry-level COTA, you’ll work closely under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists, assisting with implementing treatment plans and documenting patient progress. Collaboration is key—you’ll communicate regularly with occupational therapists to update them on patient responses and suggest possible adjustments. Additionally, you may interact with physical therapists, nurses, and family members to ensure cohesive care and support for each patient. This teamwork helps you learn quickly, build professional relationships, and ensures clients receive comprehensive, coordinated services.

What are entry level COTAs?

Entry level COTAs, or Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants, are professionals who have recently completed their education and certification, and are beginning their careers in occupational therapy. They work under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists to help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. Their responsibilities often include assisting with therapy exercises, documenting patient progress, and supporting the implementation of treatment plans. Entry level COTAs typically work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, schools, and nursing facilities.

Is it hard to find a job as a cota?

Finding a job as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) can vary depending on location and demand, but generally, there is steady employment in healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics. Having relevant certifications, clinical experience, and strong interpersonal skills can improve job prospects, though competition may exist in some regions.

Who gets paid more, OTA or PTA?

In the healthcare field, Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) generally earn higher salaries than Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs), reflecting differences in demand and scope of practice. Both roles typically require an associate degree and certification, but OTAs often have slightly higher earning potential due to the complexity of their responsibilities. Salary can vary based on location, experience, and work setting.

Can I become a cota without a degree?

To become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), a high school diploma or equivalent is required, but you must also complete an accredited occupational therapy assistant program and pass the NBCOT certification exam. A degree from an approved program is essential for licensure and employment as a COTA.

What entry-level positions are at COTA?

Entry-level positions at COTA typically include Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) roles, which support licensed occupational therapists in patient care. These positions often require a COTA certification, an associate degree, and may involve working in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes, with schedules that can include day, evening, or weekend shifts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level COTA, you need an associate degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program and a current state license or NBCOT certification. Familiarity with electronic health records, therapy documentation software, and basic therapy equipment is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to follow detailed instructions help COTAs work effectively with patients and supervising occupational therapists. These skills ensure safe, effective care and support patients in achieving their therapy goals.
More about Entry Level Cota jobs
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Entry Level Cota jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cota job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 22% Locum Tenens, 8% As Needed, 47% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,531 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

COTA

Jobfinderz, Inc

Concord, CA

$31.25 - $41.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Skilled Nursing Facility

Job Description

Job Summary:

Tues - Sat or Sun -  Thursday

The Staff Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant administers occupational therapy services as directed by a registered Occupational Therapist; does not perform evaluations. Performs duties assigned by the Director of Rehab or staff therapist(s).

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Determine patients need for service in collaboration with an OTR/L.

Contributes to the assessment process under the direction of an OTR/L. Provides information to the    OTR/L for analysis.

Assist the OTR/L in developing a treatment plan.

Under the supervision of an OTR/L, the COTA provides patient services recommended by the OTR/L.

Reports observations of patient's performance and responses to services to the OTR/L.

Maintains appropriate and accurate records on all patients/residents as directed by the OTR/L.

Recommends termination of patient services to the supervisor.

Carries out assignments given by the Director of Physical Therapy.

Reports any problem areas/equipment within each facility to the appropriate supervisor immediately.

Comply with the State Licensing Board of California, Title 22, CMS, and California Labor Board Guidelines.

May perform other duties as assigned

Entry-level to Experienced. Physical Requirements:

A. Ability to bend, reach, or assist to transfer up to 50-100 lbs.

B. Ability to stand and/or walk 80% of an 8 hr. shift.

C. Visual and hearing acuity to perform job-related functions

Licensure/Certification:

Licensed as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant for the State of California, or eligible.

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