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Per Diem Cota Jobs in Rutherford, NJ (NOW HIRING)

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Per Diem Cota information

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$17

$33

$47

How much do per diem cota jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for per diem cota in Rutherford, NJ is $33.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.93 and $37.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Per Diem COTA?

A Per Diem COTA is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant who works on an as-needed basis, rather than having a set, full-time schedule. These professionals assist occupational therapists in implementing treatment plans to help patients develop or regain daily living and work skills. Per diem positions offer flexibility, allowing COTAs to choose shifts or assignments based on availability and facility needs. This role is common in hospitals, rehab centers, and skilled nursing facilities, where staffing needs may fluctuate.

How does the flexible schedule of a Per Diem COTA impact collaboration with the occupational therapy team?

As a Per Diem Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), you may work varying shifts and cover for staff absences, which means you'll need to quickly adapt to different routines and teams. Effective communication and thorough documentation are essential to ensure continuity of care for patients, especially when collaborating with multiple occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals. While the flexible schedule offers work-life balance, it can also present challenges in staying updated with team protocols and patient progress, so proactive engagement and regular check-ins are key. This dynamic environment can help you build diverse experience and strong professional relationships across different settings.

Are COTAs in demand?

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) are in high demand due to the growing need for rehabilitation services and aging populations. They typically require certification and work in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes, with job opportunities often increasing in various regions.

What is the difference between Per Diem Cota vs Per Diem Nurse?

AspectPer Diem CotaPer Diem Nurse
CredentialsVaries by facility, often no specific license requiredLicensed Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, long-term care facilitiesHospitals, clinics, outpatient settings
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare facilities hiring temporary staffHealthcare facilities needing temporary nursing staff

Per Diem Cota roles typically involve providing care without requiring a nursing license, often in long-term care or assisted living settings. Per Diem Nurse positions require valid nursing licenses and involve direct patient care. Both roles are temporary, but Per Diem Nurses usually have more clinical responsibilities and credential requirements.

Where do COTAs make the most money?

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare services, such as urban areas or states with advanced healthcare infrastructure. Salaries can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the work setting, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, or skilled nursing facilities.

What does per diem mean in occupational therapy?

In occupational therapy, a per diem COTA is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant who works on a daily or as-needed basis, often filling short-term or temporary positions. This arrangement typically involves flexible scheduling and may require the assistant to work in various healthcare settings without a fixed full-time commitment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Per Diem Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), and why are they important?

To thrive as a Per Diem COTA, you need an associate’s degree from an accredited OTA program, a valid state license, and a solid understanding of therapeutic techniques and patient care. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, adaptive equipment, and standardized therapy assessment tools is typically required. Strong communication, adaptability, and time management skills help you collaborate with supervising occupational therapists and patients, especially in varied clinical settings. These competencies ensure effective, patient-centered care and the ability to seamlessly integrate into different healthcare teams as needed.

Who gets paid more, OTA or PTA?

In the healthcare field, a Per Diem COTA (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant) typically earns less than a PTA (Physical Therapist Assistant). Pay rates depend on experience, location, and employer, but PTAs generally have higher salaries due to different licensing requirements and scope of practice. Both roles require certification and work under supervision, but salary differences are common based on the specific therapy discipline.
What job categories do people searching Per Diem Cota jobs in Rutherford, NJ look for? The top searched job categories for Per Diem Cota jobs in Rutherford, NJ are:
What cities near Rutherford, NJ are hiring for Per Diem Cota jobs? Cities near Rutherford, NJ with the most Per Diem Cota job openings:
Infographic showing various Per Diem Cota job openings in Rutherford, NJ as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 30% Locum Tenens, 5% As Needed, 44% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,843 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Per Diem

Pine Valley Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing

Spring Valley, NY • On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

) Here is the generated job description:
Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Per Diem
Job Summary
Pine Valley Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, a highly-rated facility located in the beautiful village of Spring Valley, New York, is seeking per diem Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) to join our team! As a COTA at Pine Valley, you will provide comprehensive and compassionate therapy services in a sub-acute/skilled nursing facility setting, working collaboratively with other rehab therapists and nursing staff in a supportive team-working environment.
Responsibilities
  • Provide occupational therapy services to patients in a sub-acute/skilled nursing facility setting
  • Work collaboratively with other rehab therapists and nursing staff in a supportive team-working environment
  • Develop and implement individualized treatment plans that meet the unique needs of each patient
  • Document patient progress and communicate with healthcare team members to ensure continuity of care
  • Verify patient status and update records as necessary

Requirements
  • Licensure by the New York State Education Department as an Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • Strong computer skills with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and experience with electronic documentation
  • Good attention to detail and timeliness with documentation
  • Ability to work well with others in a team setting
  • SNF experience required

Working Conditions
  • Work as a per diem COTA in a sub-acute/skilled nursing facility setting
  • May be required to work varying shifts, including days, evenings, and weekends
  • May be required to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities

What We Offer
  • Competitive hourly rate: $35 - $40
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development
  • Collaborative and supportive work environment
  • The satisfaction of making a positive impact on the lives of our patients

How to Apply
If you are a highly motivated and compassionate COTA looking for a new challenge, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your application today to join our team!