ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

New Grad Occupational Therapy Jobs in Riverside, CA

EdTheory

School Occupational Therapist

Riverside, CA · On-site

Qualifications Master's degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy program New Grad OTs welcome! Active CA OT license or eligibility Full-time, school-based setting Perks & Benefits Competitive ...

EdTheory

School Occupational Therapist

Norco, CA · On-site

Qualifications Master's degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy program New Grad OTs welcome! Active CA OT license or eligibility Full-time, school-based setting Perks & Benefits Competitive ...

EdTheory

School Occupational Therapist

Fontana, CA · On-site

Qualifications Master's degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy program New Grad OTs welcome! Active CA OT license or eligibility Full-time, school-based setting Perks & Benefits Competitive ...

EdTheory

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Norco, CA

$43.25 - $57/hr

Master's degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy program * New Grad OTs welcome! * Active CA OT license or eligibility * Full-time, school-based setting Perks & Benefits * Competitive ...

EdTheory

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Norco, CA

$43.25 - $57/hr

Master's degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy program * New Grad OTs welcome! * Active CA OT license or eligibility * Full-time, school-based setting Perks & Benefits * Competitive ...

EdTheory

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Riverside, CA · On-site

$43.50 - $57.25/hr

Master's degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy program * New Grad OTs welcome! * Active CA OT license or eligibility * Full-time, school-based setting Perks & Benefits * Competitive ...

EdTheory

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Fontana, CA

$41 - $54/hr

Master's degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy program * New Grad OTs welcome! * Active CA OT license or eligibility * Full-time, school-based setting Perks & Benefits * Competitive ...

EdTheory

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Fontana, CA · On-site

$41 - $54/hr

Master's degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy program * New Grad OTs welcome! * Active CA OT license or eligibility * Full-time, school-based setting Perks & Benefits * Competitive ...

EdTheory

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Riverside, CA · On-site

$43.50 - $57.25/hr

Master's degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy program * New Grad OTs welcome! * Active CA OT license or eligibility * Full-time, school-based setting Perks & Benefits * Competitive ...

EdTheory LLC

Be Seen First

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Riverside, CA · On-site

$62 - $68/hr

Master's degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy program * New Grad OTs welcome! * Active CA OT license or eligibility * Full-time, school-based setting Perks & Benefits * Competitive ...

Ensign Therapy

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT - PRN MAINPLACE POST ACUTE - ORANGE, CA Join our team and start ... We are always growing and improving, embracing new knowledge to enhance our skills and stay at the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsNew Grad Occupational Therapy JobsNew Grad Occupational Therapy Jobs in Riverside, CA

New Grad Occupational Therapy information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$24

$47

$69

How much do new grad occupational therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for new grad occupational therapy 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 is a new grad occupational therapist?

New Grad Occupational Therapists are individuals who have recently completed their occupational therapy degree and have either just obtained or are in the process of obtaining their professional licensure. They are typically in their first year of practice and are gaining hands-on experience by working with patients to help them develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. New grads often work under the guidance of more experienced therapists and participate in mentorship or orientation programs to transition smoothly into their careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a new grad occupational therapist?

To thrive as a New Grad Occupational Therapist, you need a solid understanding of human anatomy, therapeutic techniques, and assessment skills, usually validated by a master's degree in occupational therapy and passing the NBCOT exam. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), standardized assessment tools, and documentation software is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and empathy are valuable soft skills that help build trust and motivate patients. These competencies ensure that new graduates can deliver effective, patient-centered care and adapt to diverse clinical environments.

What types of support and mentorship are typically available to new grad occupational therapists during their first year on the job?

New grad occupational therapists often receive structured support through formal mentorship programs, regular supervision sessions, and peer collaboration. Many employers pair new graduates with experienced OTs who provide guidance on caseload management, documentation, and clinical decision-making. Additionally, new grads may participate in orientation programs and continuing education workshops to further develop their skills. This supportive environment helps ease the transition from academic training to independent practice and fosters professional growth.

What is the difference between New Grad Occupational Therapy vs Occupational Therapist?

AspectNew Grad Occupational TherapyOccupational Therapist
CredentialsMaster's degree in Occupational Therapy, passing the NBCOT exam, state licensureMaster's or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, licensed and certified
Work EnvironmentEntry-level settings such as hospitals, schools, outpatient clinicsVaried settings including hospitals, rehab centers, schools, private practices
ExperienceLess than 1 year, supervised or mentoredTypically 1+ years of experience, independent practice

In summary, New Grad Occupational Therapists are recent graduates beginning their careers with supervision, while Occupational Therapists have more experience and independence. Both roles require similar credentials, but experience level and responsibilities differ.

Can you start as a new graduate occupational therapist as soon as you graduate with a master's?

New graduate occupational therapists can typically begin working once they have completed their master's degree and obtained the necessary licensure or certification required by their region. Most employers require proof of graduation and licensure before employment, and some may offer supervised or entry-level positions to new graduates. Licensing exams are usually scheduled after graduation and are essential for independent practice.

How much do new graduate occupational therapists make after grad school?

New graduate occupational therapists typically earn between $55,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on location, setting, and workload. Entry-level salaries may vary based on state licensure requirements and demand for healthcare professionals in the area.

What are popular job titles related to New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs in Riverside, CA?

For New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most New Grad Occupational Therapy job openings:

New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various New Grad Occupational Therapy job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% As Needed, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,458 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Occupational Therapist

Redlands Community Hospital - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Redlands, CA • On-site

$44.38 - $66.93/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Hourly pay range: $44.38 min. - $66.93 max.
Reporting to the Director of Physical Medicine, this position directs and administers Occupational Therapy activities and techniques in a manner to assist in the rehabilitation of people with functional disabilities or impairments. Included is the ability to properly receive orders, review medical records, test, and evaluate, develop treatment plans, and administer therapy. The position involves effective documentation and communication of medical information and supervision of assistive personnel.
*Ability to meet all job & physical requirements as outlined in job description or as agreed through a work place accommodation.
EDUCATION/TRAINING/ EXPERIENCE:
  1. Minimum one-year experience as an occupational therapist in a supervised setting within the last three years preferred
  2. Master's degree from an accredited occupational therapy program

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES:
  1. Current California Occupational Therapist license or license eligible if a new grad (NBCOT certification) required
  2. Current certification in CPR

Apply