Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Newark, DE: $36.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Newark, DE runs $36.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,108 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Newark's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,061 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newark, Delaware, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $36.11, which is slightly above the national median of $35.74. This rate provides a solid earning potential for both part-time and per-diem professionals working in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. For instance, a part-time occupational therapy assistant working three days a week can balance their career with personal commitments while still earning a decent wage. Within the local job market, entry-level professionals typically start around $26.61 an hour, while more experienced assistants can earn up to $42.63 per hour, reflecting a diverse pay range that accommodates a range of experience levels and specific duties.
About the Newark Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.61 | $212.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.09 | $248.72 |
| Median (P50) | $36.11 | $288.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.56 | $308.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.63 | $341.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newark
Based on $36.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.11/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newark, DE can expect to earn approximately $75,102 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,328. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newark.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newark
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,444.27 | $6,259 | $75,102 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $866.56 | $3,755 | $45,061 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $577.71 | $2,503 | $30,041 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Newark) | $36.11 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Newark, DE earn a median of $75,108 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.04% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.60% below the Delaware state average of $75,561.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.11/hr = $45,061/year (purchasing power: $44,308).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,102/year (purchasing power: $73,847).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Newark (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Newark grew 17.5% from $29.88/hr (2019) to $35.12/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.12/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newark metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Newark
When considering the realities of part-time work, an occupational therapy assistant who works three days a week (around 24 hours total) could expect to bring home approximately $45,000 annually versus a full-time assistant who might earn a higher figure due to more hours worked. The per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Newark tends to range from $30 to $45 per hour, influenced by the type of facility and the specific nature of the job. While some therapy assistants are drawn to agency work or locum tenens positions that can pay between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly, others might prefer the stability and benefits offered by full-time employment, even if it means accepting a lower hourly rate. Those working in skilled nursing facilities or outpatient clinics may find their pay affected by recent Medicare cuts affecting reimbursement rates, leading to considerations about job security versus financial growth. Negotiating hourly pay requires a nuanced approach in Newark, where understanding the local job market and employer expectations can make a significant difference in securing the desired rate.
More salary data for Newark, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Newark in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Newark?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Newark paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Newark?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Newark?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Newark. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Newark is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov