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Ot Assistant Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

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Ot Assistant information

See Florida salary details

$7

$18

$37

How much do ot assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for ot assistant in Florida is $18.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.45 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to be a certified occupational therapy assistant?

To become a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA), you must complete an accredited occupational therapy assistant program, which typically awards an associate degree, and pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)) exam. Certification must be maintained through ongoing continuing education and state licensure requirements where applicable.

What are some common challenges occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) face when working with diverse patient populations?

Occupational Therapy Assistants often work with patients of varying ages, backgrounds, and abilities, which can present challenges in communication, cultural sensitivity, and adapting treatment plans. OTAs must be flexible and creative to tailor activities that align with each patient's unique needs and goals. Additionally, they may encounter language barriers or differing expectations about therapy, so building trust and rapport is key. Collaborating closely with occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals helps address these challenges and ensures comprehensive patient care.

How much do occupational therapy assistants make?

Occupational therapy assistants typically earn a median annual wage of around $62,000, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and work setting. They usually work under the supervision of occupational therapists and need an associate degree and licensure to practice.

What is an OT assistant?

OT Assistants, or Occupational Therapy Assistants, are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of occupational therapists to help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. They assist with implementing treatment plans, guiding patients through therapeutic activities, and documenting progress. OT Assistants often work in settings such as hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers, supporting people of all ages who have physical, emotional, or developmental challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an OT assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Occupational Therapy (OT) Assistant, you need an associate degree from an accredited OTA program, a basic understanding of therapeutic techniques, and state licensure or certification. Familiarity with documentation software, adaptive equipment, and therapeutic exercise tools is often required. Excellent interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to follow detailed treatment plans make someone stand out in this role. These skills and qualities ensure effective patient support, accurate treatment implementation, and strong collaboration with occupational therapists.

What is the difference between Ot Assistant vs Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?

AspectOt AssistantSpeech-Language Pathology Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, certification or training programHigh school diploma, certification or training program
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, schools, outpatient facilitiesSchools, clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in healthcare settings for assisting occupational therapistsUsed in healthcare and educational settings for assisting speech-language pathologists

Ot Assistants and Speech-Language Pathology Assistants both support their respective therapists in healthcare settings, requiring similar certifications and working in comparable environments. The main difference lies in their specialization: Ot Assistants focus on occupational therapy, while Speech-Language Pathology Assistants specialize in speech and language therapy. Both roles are vital in multidisciplinary healthcare teams, but they serve different therapeutic needs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ot jobs in Florida?

The most popular types of Ot jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Ot Assistant jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Ot Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Ot Assistant job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,310 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

HH Occupational Therapist Assistant - Tampa

SRI Management LLC

Tampa, FL • On-site

$23.75 - $31.75/hr

Other

Re-posted 8 days ago


SRI Management rating

4.0

Company rating: 4.0 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

HH Occupational Therapist Assistant - Tampa

First Senior Home Health Tampa - Tampa, FL 33634

Description

Now Hiring HH COTAs!

Full-Time & PRN Positions Available in Tampa, FL

DUTIES

Provide skilled occupational therapy service, on an intermittent basis, to patients, in their homes, under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of the Occupational Therapist (OT), provide patient care services, which have been delegated by the Occupational Therapist.

Under the direction of the OT, assist in evaluation, and development, of the rehabilitative plan of care and in periodic re-evaluation, as required.

Participate in the preparation of clinical and daily progress notes. All notes are reviewed by the OT and submitted, within 48 hours. Also, prepare periodic summary reports.

Together with the OT, instruct the patient and family; assist in teaching them exercise programs.

Guide and instruct the patient in prescribed therapeutic self-care and creative activities that are directed toward improving independence and physical and mental functioning and assist the patient in the use of self-help devices.

Identify possible ineffective drug therapy or adverse reactions, significant side effects, drug allergies, and contra-indicated medication and reports same to the OT.

Observe, and record, activities, and findings, in the clinical record and report to the OT, and the physician, the patient's reaction to treatment and any changes in the patient's condition.

Consult with OT regarding the outcome of home visits and report physical findings, in written form.

Under the supervision of the OT, assist in evaluation, and development, of the rehabilitative plan of care and in periodic re-evaluation, as indicated.

Instruct other health team personnel, as appropriate, including Home Health Aides, as well as family members, with respect to certain phases of occupational therapy, so that they may work with the patient.

Attend rehabilitation department staff meetings and case conferences.

Instruct patient in care and use of wheelchairs, braces, splints, and prosthetic and orthotic devices.

Participate with staff, patients, and physicians, in discharge activities, and assist the Occupational Therapist in completing the Occupational Therapy Discharge Summary.

Confirm, on a weekly basis, the scheduling of visits, with the Supervisor/ Clinical Manager in order to coordinate Agency visits.

Assume responsibility for self-development by continually striving to improve his/her health care knowledge through educational programs, attendance at workshops and conferences, active participation in professional and related organizations, and individual research and reading.

Assume other duties, deemed appropriate, and necessary, by the OT.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Graduated after successful completion of an Occupational Therapy Assistant education program accredited by: The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA), or its successor organizations. Is eligible to take, or successfully completed, the entry-level certification examination for Occupational Therapy Assistants developed, and administered, by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT)

Must be licensed or registered by the state of Florida.

Must have a criminal background check.

Must have current CPR certification. Online certification is not accepted

JOB CONDITIONS

The ability to drive and the ability to access patients' homes, which may not be routinely wheelchair accessible are required.

Hearing, eyesight, and physical dexterity must be sufficient to perform a physical assessment of the patient's condition and to perform patient care.

On occasion, may be required to bend, stoop, reach, and move patient weight up to 250 pounds; lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds.

Must be able to effectively communicate in English. For Florida Applicants: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/


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