Occupational Therapist Assistant Jobs in California

An Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA) plays a crucial role in the therapy industry by providing support to occupational therapists in implementing treatment plans for patients. They help patients with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses improve their ability to perform daily activities. OTAs often take on the hands-on tasks of therapy sessions, instructing and aiding patients in exercises and activities, monitoring progress, and documenting patient responses. They also assist in preparing treatment areas and equipment. Essential skills for this role include excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a compassionate and patient-centered approach, and good physical strength and dexterity to assist patients.

Before becoming an OTA, a person may hold roles such as a Rehabilitation Aide, Physical Therapist Assistant, or Certified Nursing Assistant to gain relevant experience. In terms of qualification, becoming an OTA requires completion of an associate's degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program and a state license, which involves passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Furthermore, OTAs may pursue additional certifications in specialized areas like pediatrics, mental health, or physical rehabilitation to advance their career.

1-15 of 280 Jobs
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Whether you're a new grad eager to launch your career or an experienced Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant looking for a fresh opportunity, FullShift Staffing could be your perfect next step....

In Person Full Time

COTA - Travel Contract

  • Jackson Therapy Partners
  • San Leandro, CA
  • 6 days ago
  • San Leandro, CA
  • 6 days ago

We are hiring a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant for a travel contract role at a skilled nursing facility in San Leandro, CA....

In Person

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

  • Lifepoint Rehabilitation
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 5 days ago
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 5 days ago

As a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant joining our team, you're embracing a vital mission dedicated to making communities healthier....

In Person

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA), Long Term Acute Care

  • Lifepoint Rehabilitation
  • San Leandro, CA
  • 45+ days ago
  • San Leandro, CA
  • 45+ days ago

How you'll contribute The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant functions under the direct supervision of the Occupational Therapist and as directed by a licensed physician, is responsible for a...

In Person

Occupational Therapy Assistant

  • Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Modesto
  • Modesto, CA
  • 6 days ago
  • Modesto, CA
  • 6 days ago

Be the Occupational Therapist You've Always Aspired to Be Your impactful journey involves: Providing direct care to patients in need of occupational therapy....

In Person

Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

  • Powerback Rehabilitation
  • Hayward, CA
  • 90+ days ago
  • Hayward, CA
  • 90+ days ago

Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant Program according to AOTA & ACOTE standards. 2....

In Person

Cota

  • National Staffing Solutions
  • Modesto, CA
  • 7 hours ago
  • Modesto, CA
  • 7 hours ago

Details of the COTA opening in Modesto, CA: Anticipated Start Date: 06/02/2026 Anticipated Pay Range: $1158.3 - $1337.7 Work Setting: Skilled Nursing Facility Anticipated Duration of Assignment:...

In Person

Clinic Director I Licensed Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Care Coordination

  • EmpowerMe Wellness
  • Corona, CA
  • 8 hours ago
  • Corona, CA
  • 8 hours ago

Overview This isn’t leadership as usual. At EmpowerMe Wellness, our Clinic Directors don’t just manage teams — they lead the heartbeat of care inside our communities. Your Impact = Stronger Teams...

In Person

COTA - Skilled Nursing

  • National Staffing Solutions
  • Redding, CA
  • 8 hours ago
  • Redding, CA
  • 8 hours ago

Details of the COTA - Skilled Nursing opening in Redding, CA: Anticipated Start Date: 06/01/2026 Anticipated Pay Range: $1336.5 - $1543.5 Work Setting: Direct Job Anticipated Duration of...

In Person

Occupational Therapy Assistant - Per Diem

  • Renewal Rehab
  • Highland, CA
  • 9 hours ago
  • Highland, CA
  • 9 hours ago

Related: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant | COTA | AOTA ce7c8d43-b9ac-400f-a74e-b3c72a656837...

In Person

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Inpatient Acute Rehab

  • Accountable Healthcare Staffing
  • Sonoma, CA
  • 9 hours ago
  • Sonoma, CA
  • 9 hours ago

$1,537.20 - $1,708.00 Weekly *Rate is comprised of taxable hourly rate, specifically including if applicable, nontaxable (housing and M&IE) stipends converted to an hourly rate based on a 36-hour...

In Person

Travel Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

  • Fusion Medical Staffing
  • Salinas, CA
  • 9 hours ago
  • Salinas, CA
  • 9 hours ago

Travel Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Company: Fusion Medical Staffing Location: Facility in Salinas, California Job Details Fusion Medical Staffing is seeking a skilled Occupational Therapy...

In Person

Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant COTA

  • OneStaffMedical
  • Santa Rosa, CA
  • 9 hours ago
  • Santa Rosa, CA
  • 9 hours ago

We. Are. OneStaff. Medical. An independently-owned, nationally-recognized and amazingly awesome staffing firm ready to work for you! A work ethic forged in the Midwest, we are here to stand by...

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Occupational Therapy Asst.

  • PACS
  • CA
  • 13 hours ago
  • CA
  • 13 hours ago

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Licensed as an Occupational Therapist Assistant in the state. Employee must meet continue education requirements per state practices....

In Person

Occupational Therapy Asst.-FT

  • PACS
  • La Mesa, CA
  • 13 hours ago
  • La Mesa, CA
  • 13 hours ago

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Licensed as an Occupational Therapist Assistant in the state. Employee must meet continue education requirements per state practices....

In Person

Demographic Data for California

Moving to California? Find some basic demographic data about California below.


Local
National
39,536,271
996,598

Occupational Therapist Assistant Online Courses and Training Opportunities

iHireTherapy curates thousands of courses in order to recommend the best ones to help further your career. If you register for a course using the links on our site, we may receive a small commission.
Occupational Safety and Health Hazards
No workplace is free from risk. Whether physical or psychosocial, occupational hazards are a concern for every workplace. This two-week course from Universiti Malaya will give you an introduction...
The Role of Personal Assistants in Disability Support
Disabled people can now receive funding from their local authority to employ a personal assistant. While this gives them more personalised care in their own home, it also turns them into an...
Becoming a Student Assistant: Teaching and Mentoring
Student assistants are valuable staff members at the University of Groningen. Currently, over 700 students take up teaching duties, support role functions, governing positions, and many other...

Title Synonyms

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Salary for Occupational Therapist Assistant Jobs in California

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireTherapy research efforts.

Licensing / Certification

Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Occupational Therapist Assistant positions.



Highest Education Level

Occupational Therapist Assistants in California offer the following education background
Associate's Degree
49.0%
Bachelor's Degree
25.8%
Master's Degree
15.1%
High School or GED
3.4%
Vocational Degree or Certification
3.2%
Doctorate Degree
2.7%
Some College
0.6%
Some High School
0.2%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Occupational Therapist Assistants in California
Less than 1 year
60.5%
1-2 years
14.6%
None
11.2%
6-8 years
9.7%
2-4 years
3.5%
4-6 years
0.5%



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