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Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Rutherford, NJ

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Occupational Therapy Assistant information

See Rutherford, NJ salary details

$17

$30

$47

How much do occupational therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for occupational therapy assistant in Rutherford, NJ is $30.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.48 and $34.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Occupational Therapy Assistant vs Physical Therapy Assistant?

AspectOccupational Therapy AssistantPhysical Therapy Assistant
CredentialsAssociate's degree in occupational therapy assisting, certification requiredAssociate's degree in physical therapy assisting, licensure or certification required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, schools, rehabilitation centersHospitals, outpatient clinics, rehab centers, sports facilities
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers focusing on daily living skillsHealthcare providers focusing on mobility and physical function

Both roles support patient recovery but focus on different aspects: Occupational Therapy Assistants help patients regain daily living skills, while Physical Therapy Assistants focus on improving mobility and physical function. They often work together in healthcare settings to provide comprehensive care.

What does an Occupational Therapy Assistant do?

An Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) works under the supervision of an occupational therapist to help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. OTAs assist with implementing treatment plans, teaching patients how to use adaptive equipment, and documenting progress. They work with individuals of all ages who may have physical, developmental, or emotional challenges, helping them achieve greater independence.

What are some common challenges Occupational Therapy Assistants face when working with diverse patient populations?

Occupational Therapy Assistants often work with individuals of varying ages, backgrounds, and medical conditions, which can present challenges in communication and adapting therapeutic approaches. It's important to be flexible and creative when tailoring interventions to meet each patient's unique needs and cultural preferences. Additionally, balancing a busy caseload while ensuring personalized care for each client requires strong organizational and time-management skills. Collaborating closely with occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals is key to overcoming these challenges and providing effective patient support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, you need an associate degree from an accredited OTA program, state licensure, and a solid understanding of anatomy, therapeutic techniques, and patient care. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), adaptive equipment, and rehabilitation software is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and adaptability help build rapport with clients and support effective therapy delivery. These skills and qualifications enable OTAs to provide high-quality care, support patient progress, and work efficiently within healthcare teams.

What Does an Occupational Therapy Assistant Do?

Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) work with Occupational Therapists (OT) to help patients with disabilities to develop skills for daily living. They work with patients to complete activities, use helpful tools and devices, and practice skills and positive behaviors. They also help facilitate sessions by setting up, transporting patients, and completing administrative tasks.

More about Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Occupational Therapy jobs in Rutherford, NJ? The most popular types of Occupational Therapy jobs in Rutherford, NJ are:
What job categories do people searching Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Rutherford, NJ look for? The top searched job categories for Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Rutherford, NJ are:
What cities near Rutherford, NJ are hiring for Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs? Cities near Rutherford, NJ with the most Occupational Therapy Assistant job openings:
Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Occupational Therapy Assistant job openings in Rutherford, NJ as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,686 per year, or $30.1 per hour.
Occupational Therapy Assistant - PRN

Occupational Therapy Assistant - PRN

Therapy Management Corporation, Inc.

New York, NY

$29 - $34/hr

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Therapy Management Corporation rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

TMC is a therapy provider that brings physical, occupational, and speech therapy services to long term care providers. We are growing and looking for a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant to join the team. 
We want a COTA that believes in the benefits of occupational therapy and has a passion for what they do. Giving back is at the core of everything we do. TMC is committed to our team members, helping them enhance skills, remain current on regulations, stay up to date on innovative technology, and advance their personal and professional growth.   If you are looking for an opportunity where you can see your career grow and be part of something incredible, TMC is the place for you. We take pride in offering growth opportunities as we seek leadership within our current teams.  
With TMC, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants don't just make a living; they make a difference. Come be part of something bigger than a job!  
A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation and care of patients with various physical, mental, or emotional conditions. The primary goal of a COTA is to assist individuals in developing, recovering, improving, and maintaining the skills needed for daily living and working. 
Here is a description of the key responsibilities of a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant:
  • Patient Care Execution: Under the supervision of an occupational therapist, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant is responsible for executing the therapeutic plans designed to help patients. This includes teaching patients how to use adaptive equipment, guiding them through exercises, and engaging them in activities that are crucial to their recovery and improvement.
  • Activity and Program Planning: A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant contributes to the planning and selection of therapeutic activities tailored to the individual needs and interests of each patient. This involves understanding the therapeutic goals set by the occupational therapist and applying creative and practical approaches to meet those objectives. 
  • Progress Monitoring: Regularly monitoring and documenting the progress of patients is a key responsibility. The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant must observe changes in the patient's performance and behavior, report these observations to the occupational therapist, and adjust the therapy interventions accordingly to ensure continuous improvement.
  • Patient and Family Education: Educating patients and their families about the therapy process, the use of adaptive equipment, and home modifications is another important duty. The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant provides clear instructions and support to ensure that therapeutic practices are continued at home, which is vital for the patient's long-term recovery and independence.
  • Degree in an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program
  • Current license/certification in the state of practice  
TMC is an equal opportunity employer.
  • Flexible Scheduling.
  • Internal Growth and Leadership Opportunities.
  • Mental Wellbeing Support Program.

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