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Entry Level Occupational Therapist Jobs in Riverside, CA

Occupational Therapist I-Per Diem Join the transformative team at City of Hope, where we're ... Demonstrates entry level skills in developing treatment goals and plans based on evaluation data ...

COTA

Riverside, CA

$29.75 - $39.75/hr

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) Job Summary: The Staff Certified Occupational ... May perform other duties as assigned Entry-level to Experienced. Physical Requirements: A. Ability ...

Physical Therapist Assistant

Santa Ana, CA

$29.25 - $38.50/hr

Experience: Entry-level to Experienced. Physical Requirements: A. Ability to bend, reach, or assist ... SLP, ST, Speech, OT, OTR, Occupational, PT, P.T., Physical Therapist, Therapist, homecare, home ...

Experience: Entry-level to Experienced. Physical Requirements: A. Ability to bend, reach, or assist ... SLP, ST, Speech, OT, OTR, Occupational, PT, P.T., Physical Therapist, Therapist, homecare, home ...

Entry Level Occupational Therapist information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$24

$47

$69

How much do entry level occupational therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level occupational therapist in Riverside, CA is $47.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.38 and $53.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Why are OTs leaving the profession?

Entry level occupational therapists may leave the profession due to high workload, burnout, limited career advancement, or inadequate compensation. Job stress, administrative burdens, and changing healthcare policies can also contribute to turnover among new practitioners.

What types of support and mentorship can entry level occupational therapists expect in their first year on the job?

As an entry level occupational therapist, you can typically expect to receive structured onboarding, regular supervision, and mentorship from experienced therapists during your first year. Many organizations pair new hires with senior staff for shadowing and case discussions, and provide opportunities to participate in team meetings and continuing education. This support helps new therapists build confidence, develop clinical reasoning skills, and acclimate to the documentation and workflow expectations in various settings such as hospitals, schools, or outpatient clinics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Occupational Therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Occupational Therapist, you need a bachelor's or master's degree in occupational therapy, completion of fieldwork requirements, and licensure or certification (typically NBCOT). Familiarity with assessment tools, documentation software, and therapy modalities is essential for effective patient care. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and problem-solving abilities help you build rapport with clients and tailor interventions to individual needs. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering effective, client-centered therapy and supporting patient progress in diverse healthcare environments.

What is an entry level occupational therapist?

An entry level occupational therapist is a professional who provides therapy services to help individuals develop or recover daily living and work skills. They typically hold a master's degree in occupational therapy, pass a national certification exam, and may work under supervision as they gain experience in clinical settings such as hospitals, schools, or rehabilitation centers.

Who gets paid more, OT or PT?

Occupational therapists (OTs) and physical therapists (PTs) are both healthcare professionals with similar salary ranges, but PTs often earn slightly higher average salaries due to the demand for physical rehabilitation services. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and work setting, with PTs typically earning a few thousand dollars more annually than OTs. Both roles require advanced degrees and licensure, and salary differences are generally modest within the healthcare field.

Can OT help with hypermobility?

Entry level occupational therapists can assist individuals with hypermobility by developing personalized strategies to improve joint stability, reduce pain, and prevent injury. They often use exercises, activity modifications, and education to help clients manage symptoms and improve function.

What does an entry level occupational therapist do?

An entry level occupational therapist helps individuals of all ages develop, recover, or maintain daily living and work skills after injury, illness, or disability. They assess patients’ needs, develop treatment plans, and guide them through therapeutic activities to improve their independence and quality of life. Entry level therapists work under the supervision of experienced occupational therapists, often collaborating with other healthcare professionals to support patient goals. Their responsibilities include documentation, patient education, and sometimes assisting with adaptive equipment selection.

What is the difference between Entry Level Occupational Therapist vs Occupational Therapist?

AspectEntry Level Occupational TherapistOccupational Therapist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Occupational Therapy, licensure requiredSame as entry level, with additional certifications or specialization optional
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, schools, outpatient settingsSimilar settings, often with more experience handling complex cases
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist patients with daily activities, follow treatment plans, document progressDesign treatment plans, supervise assistants, handle complex cases

Entry Level Occupational Therapists perform foundational patient care under supervision, focusing on developing skills. Occupational Therapists with more experience handle complex cases, create treatment strategies, and may supervise staff. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, but experience levels influence responsibilities and autonomy.

What Does an Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Do?

As an entry-level occupational therapist, you assist injured, ill, or permanently disabled patients in their development and maintenance of physical abilities by using daily activities as therapy. You observe the patient doing routine tasks, develop a treatment plan, demonstrate exercises, and monitor progress. Your responsibilities also include educating the patient’s family about how to provide care and assistance, and you provide training and instruction in the use of recommended equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, and adaptive eating aids. Your duties also involve evaluating client homes and workplaces and identifying ways to improve their quality of living through adaptive measures.

What are the most commonly searched types of Occupational Therapist jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Occupational Therapist jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Occupational Therapist jobs in Riverside, CA? For Entry Level Occupational Therapist jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Occupational Therapist jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Occupational Therapist jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Entry Level Occupational Therapist jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Entry Level Occupational Therapist job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Occupational Therapist job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,458 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Occupational Therapist - Rancho Cucamonga

Counseling and Research Associates, Inc.

Rancho Cucamonga, CA • On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

An Occupational Therapist is responsible for the provision of comprehensive occupational
therapy services to assigned clients and families referred from therapy staff. Occupational
therapists are expected to exercise professional judgment and discretion as practitioners and
collaborators in the treatment of clients. The position involves working designated shifts under
the direct supervision of the Occupational Therapy Program Manager.


DUTIES:
1. ASSESSMENT: Identifies individual needs and orients client participation in individual
and group interventions aimed at reducing the effects of symptoms, enhancing social
skills and maintaining or improving occupational role performance. Completes
assessments and submits documentation within timelines outlined by OT Manager.
2. CLIENT ENGAGEMENT: Provides client with opportunities to practice newly acquired
skills in the areas of activities of daily living, communication, socialization, leisure,
education related and pre-employment activities. Meets with clients 1 time per week or
as outlined in plan created with team and supervisor.
3. GROUP ENGAGEMENT: Creates and runs mental health OT groups as required by
contracts and needs of population.
4. DOCUMENTATION: Is able to complete and submit documentation and paperwork
within established timelines. Submits thorough documentation including initial
assessment, progress notes and notations demonstrating frequent collaborations with
treatment team member.
5. PRODUCTIVITY: Maintains productivity standards set forth by the agency Tier System
and internal policies.
6. COMMUNITY COLLABORATION: Maintains working relationships with the agency
service providers, caregivers, community programs and referring agencies. Creates and
implements in services, seminars, and group supervisions as needed.
7. TEAMWORK: Is able to collaborate with Masada Staff and utilize the clinical "team"
concept. Regularly collaborates with Masada Staff, clients, caregivers and supports, and
other members of the clinical team. Supervises fieldwork students as needed.
8. ETHICS: Understands and upholds legal and ethical standards as they pertain to mental
health services.
9. CONFIDENTIALITY: Maintains strict confidentiality over all records and information
related to clients.
10. FLEXIBILITY: Is willing to accept a variety of cases. Is able to schedule and meet with all
clients on a regular basis as outlined in treatment plan. Travels independently to various
environments (buildings with stairs, various communities, schools, etc.) to provide
services as needed.
11. RESPECT: Demonstrates respect for the intrinsic value of each person, their individual
differences and culture. Is able to build rapport with clients, caregivers, coworkers, and
community partners.

12. SAFETY: Ensures the safety of youths. Meets requirements of mandated reporting and
creates and monitors safety plans as needed.
13. TEAM MEETINGS: Attends and participates in meetings, group supervision, case
presentations, and in-service training opportunities.
14. SUPERVISION: Appropriately utilizes Supervisor for clinical and adjunctive services
issues. Comes prepared and on time to all supervisions.
15. STRENGTH-BASED: Is capable of accurately identifying and building on the strengths of
clients to better reach their potential.
16. INDEPENDENCE: Applies self to tasks and follows through without prompting. Is able to
solve problems independently with minimal supervisory direction.
16. OTHER: Performs other duties as assigned by the Occupational Therapy Manager.


QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Bachelor's Degree (graduates of qualified Occupational Therapy program prior to 2004),
Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree in Occupational Therapy.
2. Successfully completed and graduated from an accredited entry-level occupational
therapy program recognized by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy
Education.
3. Certified by the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy.
4. Currently licensed by the California Board of Occupational Therapy.
5. Valid California Drivers License, good driving record, and must be able to drive to fulfill
the duties of the position.