Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Camden, NJ: $36.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Camden, NJ runs $36.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,712 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Camden's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,024 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Camden, NJ, earn a competitive hourly rate of $36.88, which exceeds the national median hourly rate of $35.74. For part-time and per-diem workers, this translates to significant earnings potential, particularly in various therapeutic settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, outpatient clinics, and during home health visits. The range of pay spans from $26.46 for entry-level positions to $46.27 for top earners, reflecting a broad spectrum of experience and specialization. These hourly rates are estimated based on projected annual salary figures, illustrating the financial viability of choosing this career path within the dynamic health care sector.
About the Camden Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.46 | $211.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.36 | $250.86 |
| Median (P50) | $36.88 | $295.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.94 | $327.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.27 | $370.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Camden
Based on $36.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.88/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Camden, NJ can expect to earn approximately $76,706 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,254. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Camden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Camden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,475.12 | $6,392 | $76,706 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $885.07 | $3,835 | $46,024 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $590.05 | $2,557 | $30,682 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Camden) | $36.88 |
| 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 Camden, NJ earn a median of $76,712 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.20% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.40% below the New Jersey state average of $78,598.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.88/hr = $46,024/year (purchasing power: $39,951).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,706/year (purchasing power: $66,585).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Camden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Camden grew 17.5% from $30.52/hr (2019) to $35.87/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.91/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 Camden 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 Camden
When considering part-time employment, an occupational therapy assistant working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can expect to take home a substantial income annually, although still lower compared to full-time earnings. For per-diem or agency roles, common pay rates can range from $30 to $45 per hour, while travel COTA contracts may offer weekly compensation between $1,100 and $1,700. The impact of the 15% Medicare cut on OT services has led to tighter budgets, especially in skilled nursing facilities, influencing how employers structure pay. Hourly rates can also differ across employer types in Camden; those in schools may prioritize benefits that come with lower hourly rates, while others might opt for higher hourly compensation without insurance. For applicants, it's crucial to understand the local market and negotiate effectively, taking advantage of Camden's healthcare demand to secure better pay or additional benefits based on the sector and employer.
More salary data for Camden, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Camden. 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 Camden 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