Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in California
Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in skilled nursing facilities, pediatric clinics, acute rehabilitation units, and school-based settings, with openings at every level from new graduate through senior clinician. Los Angeles, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area generate the largest share of postings, anchored by major employers like Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, and the Los Angeles Unified School District. Pediatric rehabilitation, geriatric care, and hand therapy are the most consistently in-demand specializations across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Skilled Nursing Facility
Location: Auburn, CA 95603
Pay Rate: $36 - $40/hr
Start Date: ASAP
Shift: To be discussed
Contract Duration: Permanent
Please apply today!
HFCS
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Find JobsOccupational Therapy Assistant Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- HiredFirst18H
- FeldCare Connects16
- interface rehab11
- Reliant Rehabilitation11
- Powerback Rehabilitation11
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in occupational therapy assistant jobs across California.
- Active California COTA license issued by the California Board of Occupational Therapy
- Associate degree from an ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy assistant program
- Current NBCOT certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Current CPR and Basic Life Support certification from an approved provider
- Experience working within a multidisciplinary rehabilitation or clinical care team
- Proficiency with electronic health record systems used in California clinical settings
Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a occupational therapy assistant in California?
To work as an occupational therapy assistant in California, you must hold a license issued by the California Board of Occupational Therapy. The path begins with completing an associate degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program, passing the NBCOT certification exam, and then applying to the California Board of Occupational Therapy for your state license. You cannot practice until the California license is issued, and renewal requires continuing education every two years.
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in California?
Occupational therapy assistants in California earn a median of about $81,770 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $65,680 for the lowest 10% to over $104,990 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire occupational therapy assistants in California?
Employers hiring occupational therapy assistants in California right now include HiredFirst, FeldCare Connects, and interface rehab, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's large integrated health systems, skilled nursing chains, and school districts consistently post the highest volume of openings and frequently recruit for multiple specialties at once.
Which California cities have the most occupational therapy assistant jobs?
Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sacramento have the most occupational therapy assistant openings in California. Los Angeles and San Diego drive volume through their dense networks of hospital systems, rehabilitation centers, and public school districts, while Bay Area demand is concentrated in outpatient clinics and pediatric specialty practices affiliated with large academic medical centers.
Are there remote occupational therapy assistant jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Occupational therapy assistant work is fundamentally hands-on, so most roles require in-person patient contact. About 20% of occupational therapy assistant openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those positions typically involve administrative coordination, telehealth-supported home programs, or supervisory roles rather than direct treatment sessions.
How can I get hired as a occupational therapy assistant in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to new-graduate positions at California skilled nursing facilities, which routinely hire newly licensed COTAs and provide structured mentorship. Large California employers like Kaiser Permanente and regional rehabilitation chains run structured onboarding programs for early-career clinicians. Candidates coming from roles as OT aides, rehabilitation technicians, or restorative nursing assistants have a strong lateral advantage. Holding an active California COTA license before applications go out is the single most important credential for clearing initial screening filters.
Where can I find and apply to occupational therapy assistant jobs in California?
You can find and apply to occupational therapy assistant jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across health systems, outpatient clinics, school districts, and skilled nursing facilities. Find roles that fit your specialty and location, then apply directly to each employer.
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