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New Grad Occupational Therapy Jobs in Riverside, CA

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Norco, CA ยท On-site

$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 ...

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Riverside, CA

$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 ...

New

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 ...

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Corona, CA ยท 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 ...

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Riverside, CA

$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 ...

New

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Fontana, CA ยท 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 ...

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Upland, CA ยท On-site

$26.50 - $35.75/hr

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT (COTA) - FULL TIME UPLAND REHABILITATION - UPLAND, CA Join our team ... We are always growing and improving, embracing new knowledge to enhance our skills and stay at the ...

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Orange, CA ยท 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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jul 25, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a New Grad Occupational Therapist, and why are they important?

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 are New Grad Occupational Therapists?

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 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.

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 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:
Infographic showing various New Grad Occupational Therapy job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% As Needed, and 75% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,458 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

$44.38 - $66.93/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 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