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Occupational Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - [Perry, IA] Blue Stone Therapy is seeking an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to provide rehabilitation services to adult and geriatric patients at [Perry ...

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Perry, IA · On-site

$25.25 - $34/hr

Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - [Perry, IA] Blue Stone Therapy is seeking an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to provide rehabilitation services to adult and geriatric patients at [Perry ...

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$24.75 - $33.25/hr

Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - [Lincoln, NE] Blue Stone Therapy is seeking an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to provide rehabilitation services to adult and geriatric patients at ...

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Wapello, IA · On-site

$24 - $32.25/hr

Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Wapello, IA Blue Stone Therapy is seeking an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to provide rehabilitation services to adult and geriatric patients at ...

Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - [Perry, IA] Blue Stone Therapy is seeking an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to provide rehabilitation services to adult and geriatric patients at [Perry ...

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occupational therapy information

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How much do occupational therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for occupational therapy in the United States is $45.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.70 and $50.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is occupational therapy?

As an occupational therapist, you help people overcome physiological and cognitive obstacles so that they may better participate in work, society, and all aspects of their day-to-day lives. You use daily activities as a part of the rehabilitation and therapy process, contextualizing progress with the relatable tasks of normal life. Your goals as occupational therapist include helping clients participate in school, work, home life, and social situations. To this end, your duties may include evaluating the current living environment of the client, assessing their needs, and then creating an occupational therapy treatment plan in consultation with other caregivers.

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession focused on helping people of all ages participate in the activities (or occupations) they need or want to do in their daily lives. Occupational therapists work with individuals who have physical, mental, or developmental conditions to improve their ability to perform everyday tasks. This can include self-care, work, play, and social activities. The goal is to promote independence, enhance quality of life, and support overall well-being.

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

To thrive as an Occupational Therapist, you need a degree in occupational therapy, national certification, and state licensure, along with strong clinical reasoning and assessment skills. Familiarity with adaptive equipment, therapeutic software, and electronic health records is commonly required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, patience, and creativity help therapists connect with clients and tailor individualized intervention plans. These competencies are crucial for enabling clients to achieve independence and improve their quality of life through effective, personalized care.

How do occupational therapists typically collaborate with other healthcare professionals to support patient recovery?

Occupational therapists frequently work as part of multidisciplinary teams, collaborating closely with physicians, physical therapists, speech therapists, nurses, and social workers. This collaboration ensures that each patient's treatment plan is holistic and addresses all aspects of their recovery. Regular meetings, shared documentation, and joint goal-setting help coordinate care and monitor progress. Effective communication and a team-oriented mindset are essential for occupational therapists, as these partnerships directly impact patient outcomes and satisfaction.

What is the difference between Occupational Therapy vs Physical Therapy?

AspectOccupational TherapyPhysical Therapy
CredentialsMaster's degree in Occupational Therapy, licensureDoctorate or Master's in Physical Therapy, licensure
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, schools, home healthHospitals, outpatient clinics, sports facilities
FocusHelping patients perform daily activities and improve fine motor skillsRestoring movement and physical function
Common UsesADL (Activities of Daily Living) training, adaptive equipmentRehabilitation of mobility, pain management

While both Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy aim to improve patient well-being, Occupational Therapy focuses on enabling individuals to perform daily activities and adapt to their environments, whereas Physical Therapy emphasizes restoring movement and physical function. Understanding these differences helps patients choose the right specialist for their needs.

What jobs can you get with occupational therapy?

Occupational therapists can work in hospitals, clinics, schools, nursing homes, and outpatient settings, helping patients develop or recover daily living and work skills. They may specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health, or physical rehabilitation, often requiring licensure and hands-on assessment and treatment skills.

What cities are hiring for Occupational Therapy jobs?

Cities with the most Occupational Therapy job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Occupational Therapy jobs?

The most popular types of Occupational Therapy jobs are:

What states have the most Occupational Therapy jobs?

States with the most job openings for Occupational Therapy jobs include:

Infographic showing various Occupational Therapy job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,375 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Brooklyn, NY • On-site

$30 - $38/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Description:

POSITION SUMMARY

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) is a skilled professional who administers treatment plans according to the directives of the Occupational Therapist at the facility. The COTA assists the Occupational Therapist with patient documentation as directed by the Occupational Therapist.

POSITION DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

A. COTAs demonstrate skill in the use and proper choice of occupational therapy techniques and treats patients effectively with good response.

  1. Maintains and enhances patient dignity and modesty during treatment.
  2. Shows appropriate therapist-patient rapport explaining the treatments and discussing the reasons for occupational therapy with patient, etc.
  3. Follows accepted precautions and contraindications for treatment.
  4. Utilizes appropriate therapeutic techniques.

B. COTAs provide accurate and timely patient records.

  1. Completes daily documentation procedures assuring that all services are appropriately accounted for from a clinical and billing perspective.
  2. Communicates and documents significant changes in patient progress as a result of treatment and accepts modified treatment plan if needed.
  3. Documents equipment provided, home programs and handouts given to the patient.
  4. Documents all communication with physicians and POA concerning patient's status.

C. COTAs communicate with others maintaining a professional attitude to assure quality care.

  1. If directed by the Occupational Therapist, contacts physicians as needed to clarify diagnosis or orders, change treatment, or discharge.
  2. Consults patient's POA, nurses, social workers, physical and speech therapists, and physicians as appropriate and needed.
  3. Notifies facility personnel and family as to use of equipment.
  4. Attends patient related meetings in accordance with facility policy.

D. COTAs demonstrate knowledge of insurance guidelines as related to applicable rehabilitation services.

E. COTAs perform all other duties and functions necessary for the maintenance of efficient, economic and quality operation of the department.

  1. Projects and maintains a professional appearance.
  2. Makes suggestions for department improvement and assists in development of these as appropriate.
  3. Demonstrates leadership qualities utilizing support personnel where appropriate to perform activities not requiring a licensed Occupational Therapist.

SUPERVISION

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants provide clinical supervision as requested to Rehabilitation Techs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  1. Must be able to lift 35 pounds. Safe moving, lifting or transferring of patients is required.
  2. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
  3. Must demonstrate appropriate and applicable fine motor skills.
  4. Must demonstrate adequate visual acuity for safety with patient interaction.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants must possess an appropriate Associate of Science degree from an accredited institution.

LICENSURE OR REGISTRY REQUIREMENTS

 Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants must be licensed in the state of NY and must be able to pass a background check.

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications which may be required of the employee assigned to the position. Depending on the size of the facility the job duties may vary. Receipt of this job description does not imply or create a promise of employment or an employment contract of any kind.

Requirements: