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Entry Level Occupational Therapist Jobs in Riverside, CA

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 ...

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Entry Level Occupational Therapist information

See Riverside, CA salary details

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$47

$69

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

As of Aug 19, 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.

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 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 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 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 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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,458 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Part Time Physical Therapist Assistant

1 Legacy, Inc

Santa Ana, CA

$29.25 - $38.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Skilled Nursing Facility A leading provider of rehabilitation services for the elderly with many locations throughout the country. Our dedicated professionals are committed to enhancing our patient's quality of life with passion and integrity.


Job Description

The Staff Physical Therapist Assistant administers physical therapy services as directed by a registered physical therapist; does not perform evaluations.

Performs duties assigned by the Director of Rehab or staff therapist(s).

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

Please feel free to pass this Job Description along to anyone who you feel would be a good fit!!! 559-412-0540

Qualifications

Licensure/Certification: Licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant for the State of California, or eligible.

Must have valid CPR certification within the last year.

Experience: Entry-level to Experienced.

keywords: SLP, ST, Speech, OT, OTR, Occupational, PT, P.T., Physical Therapist, Therapist, homecare, home care, healthcare, health care, home health, HH, Ortho, orthopedics, orthopedic therapist, therapy, balance dysfunction, therapy manager, rehab, outpatient, outpatient, rehab setting, rehabilitative, therapeutic, physical therapy, acute care, rehabilitation, geriatrics, outpatient, outpatient therapy

Additional Information

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