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How much do school based occupational therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for school based 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 is the difference between School Based Occupational Therapy Assistant vs Occupational Therapy Assistant?

AspectSchool Based Occupational Therapy AssistantOccupational Therapy Assistant
CredentialsCPR certification, state-specific OTA license, possibly additional school district trainingCPR certification, state-specific OTA license
Work EnvironmentSchools, classrooms, therapy roomsHospitals, clinics, outpatient facilities
Employer & IndustrySchool districts, educational institutionsHealthcare facilities, outpatient clinics
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a School Based Occupational Therapy Assistant and an Occupational Therapy Assistant lies in their work environment and specific training. School Based OTAs work primarily in educational settings supporting students, while OTAs in healthcare settings assist patients in hospitals or clinics. Both roles require similar certifications, but the work context varies significantly.

How does a School Based Occupational Therapy Assistant typically collaborate with teachers and other educational staff?

School Based Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) work closely with teachers, special education staff, and school therapists to support students’ functional participation in academic and social activities. They often attend team meetings, share observations, and help integrate occupational therapy strategies into classroom routines. Collaboration may involve co-developing accommodations, modifying classroom materials, and providing staff with training or resources to ensure consistency in supporting students' needs. This teamwork is essential for promoting student success and maintaining effective, individualized interventions.

What is a School Based Occupational Therapy Assistant?

A School Based Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) works under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist to help students develop or improve the skills needed for daily living and academic success within a school setting. They assist students with activities related to fine motor skills, self-care, sensory processing, and classroom participation. COTAs collaborate with teachers and other school staff to create and implement strategies that support students' learning and independence. Their goal is to help students overcome barriers so they can fully participate in school activities.

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

To thrive as a School Based Occupational Therapy Assistant, you need an associate degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program and state licensure, along with a strong understanding of pediatric development and interventions. Familiarity with assistive technology, documentation software, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) systems is often required. Strong communication, patience, and teamwork skills are essential for working with children, educators, and therapists. These skills ensure effective support for students’ functional independence and successful collaboration within school settings.
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What job categories do people searching School Based Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for School Based Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs are:
School Based Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various School Based Occupational Therapy Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,531 per year, or $32.5 per hour.
School Occupational Therapy Assistant

School Occupational Therapy Assistant

Theracare Pediatric Services

Mesa, AZ • On-site

$55 - $56/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Title: School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Company: Theracare
Location: School-Based Setting (Arizona)
Schedule: Approximately 10 hours per week
Compensation: $55.00 per hour
Position Overview: 
Theracare is seeking a dedicated and compassionate School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our team. This position supports students in a school setting under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist. The ideal candidate is collaborative, organized, and passionate about helping children reach their developmental and educational goals.
Responsibilities: 
  • Provide occupational therapy services to students as outlined in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
  • Implement treatment plans developed by the supervising Occupational Therapist
  • Document student progress and maintain accurate service logs in compliance with district and state requirements
  • Collaborate with teachers, special education staff, and parents
  • Assist in IEP meetings when appropriate
  • Support students with fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care, classroom participation, and adaptive skills
  • Maintain compliance with school district and Theracare policies
Qualifications: 
  • Active Arizona COTA license
  • Associate’s degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program
  • School-based or pediatric experience preferred
  • Fingerprint clearance card (Arizona)
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
What We Offer: 
  • Competitive pay at $55.00 per hour
  • Flexible part-time schedule (approximately 10 hours per week)
  • Supportive clinical supervision
  • Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in students’ lives