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Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant information

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$46

How much do pediatric occupational therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for pediatric occupational therapy assistant in the United States is $32.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.40 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pediatric occupational therapy assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant, you need a solid understanding of pediatric development, occupational therapy principles, and an associate degree from an accredited OTA program along with state licensure. Familiarity with adaptive equipment, therapy documentation software, and standardized assessment tools is typically required. Compassion, patience, and strong interpersonal communication skills help build trust with children and collaborate effectively with families and healthcare teams. These competencies are crucial for delivering effective interventions that support children's growth, independence, and overall well-being.

Do pediatric occupational therapy assistants or occupational therapy assistants get paid more?

Pediatric occupational therapy assistants and occupational therapy assistants generally earn similar wages, as both roles require comparable certifications and responsibilities. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and work setting, but there is no consistent difference in pay solely based on the specialization in pediatrics versus general occupational therapy assistance.

What does a pediatric occupational therapy assistant do?

A Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) works under the supervision of an occupational therapist to help children develop the skills needed for daily living and school activities. They assist in implementing therapy plans, guiding children through exercises and activities designed to improve motor skills, coordination, and independence. Pediatric OTAs often work in schools, hospitals, or clinics, and collaborate with families and teachers to support each child’s developmental needs. Their goal is to help children participate more fully in everyday activities despite physical, developmental, or emotional challenges.

What is the difference between Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant vs Pediatric Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?

AspectPediatric Occupational Therapy AssistantPediatric Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
CredentialsCertified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), state licensureCertified Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA), state licensure
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, schools, therapy centersSchools, clinics, hospitals, therapy centers
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, educational settings, pediatric clinicsEducational institutions, healthcare, pediatric clinics

Both roles support pediatric therapy teams but focus on different areas. Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistants help children develop daily living skills and motor functions, while Pediatric Speech-Language Pathology Assistants focus on speech, language, and communication disorders. They share similar credentials and work environments, often collaborating within multidisciplinary teams to support children's developmental needs.

What are some common challenges pediatric occupational therapy assistants face when working with children, and how are they addressed?

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistants often encounter challenges such as engaging children with diverse needs, managing behavioral issues, and adapting interventions to a child’s developmental level. To address these, they use creative play-based techniques, work closely with supervising occupational therapists, and maintain open communication with families and teachers. Ongoing training and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams also help ensure effective strategies are used to maximize each child's progress.
More about Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Pediatric Occupational Therapy jobs? The most popular types of Pediatric Occupational Therapy jobs are:
What states have the most Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,531 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Experienced Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Carolina Pediatric Therapy

Hendersonville, NC • On-site

$7.5K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Description:

$7,500 Sign-On Bonus | Pediatric Integrated Care Team

You've built strong clinical skills. Now build a career that grows with them.

At Carolina Pediatric Therapy, we're looking for experienced outpatient pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistants who want more than a full schedule and endless documentation. We are building an exceptional pediatric Occupational Therapy program and are seeking therapists who want to help shape its future.

If you're passionate about evidence-based care, interdisciplinary collaboration, mentoring the next generation of clinicians, and continuing to grow professionally, we'd love to meet you.


Why Experienced Therapists Choose Carolina Pediatric Therapy

Many clinicians reach a point where they want more influence, more support, and more purpose in their work.

Here, you'll find:

  • Protected daily planning time built into your schedule
  • Dedicated weekly professional development and case consultation
  • Documentation systems and AI-supported tools designed to eliminate after-hours work
  • Opportunities to mentor graduate students and early-career clinicians
  • Collaboration with Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Physical Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Psychologists, and other Behavioral Health providers
  • Flexible practice opportunities across clinic, school, and telehealth settings
  • A structured career advancement pathway that rewards clinical excellence and leadership

The Opportunity

As an Experienced Occupational Therapy Assistants, you'll provide evidence-based and -informed assessment and treatment for children, adolescents, and families within a collaborative pediatric care model.

This role is ideal for clinicians who want to:

  • Deepen expertise in evidence-based treatments
  • Help build and improve pediatric occupational therapy services
  • Influence clinical programming and best practices
  • Mentor future therapists and partner with Universities to supervise student clinicians
  • Work in a culture that values both high-quality care and clinician wellbeing

What Success Looks Like

Our most successful therapists are:

  • Strong clinicians who value evidence-based practice
  • Collaborative team members who enjoy interdisciplinary care
  • Lifelong learners committed to professional growth
  • Leaders who want to contribute beyond direct client care
  • Advocates for children and families
Requirements:

Qualifications

  • Licensed Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • 4+ years of clinical experience
  • Experience working with children, adolescents, and/or families
  • Training in evidence-based interventions
  • Bilingual skills are a plus

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive compensation
  • $7,500 sign-on bonus
  • Medical insurance
  • Continuing education allowance
  • Three weeks of PTO starting in year one
  • Up to 10 paid holidays
  • Employee Assistance Program and mental health benefits
  • Life insurance
  • Optional dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
  • 401(k)

Join a Team That Invests in Your Growth

At Carolina Pediatric Therapy, we believe exceptional care starts with supporting exceptional clinicians. If you're looking for a place where your expertise is valued, your growth is encouraged, and your work makes a lasting impact, we'd love to connect.

Learn more at CarolinaPeds.com.