Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Cherry Hill, NJ: $34.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Cherry Hill, NJ runs $34.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,014 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Cherry Hill's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,214 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cherry Hill, New Jersey, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $34.63, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $35.74. This figure is particularly significant for those seeking part-time positions, where working three days a week typically allows many occupational therapy assistants to balance their professional and personal lives while still earning a competitive wage. For those considering per-diem roles, the hourly pay aligns closely with the local market where skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation units operate. The hourly range spans from $24.99 for entry-level roles to as much as $42.63 for seasoned professionals, offering ample opportunity for steps up the pay scale as one gains experience and expertise in various settings.
About the Cherry Hill 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) | $24.99 | $199.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.65 | $237.20 |
| Median (P50) | $34.63 | $277.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.83 | $302.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.63 | $341.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cherry Hill
Based on $34.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.63/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cherry Hill, NJ can expect to earn approximately $72,023 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,552. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cherry Hill.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cherry Hill
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,385.06 | $6,002 | $72,023 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $831.03 | $3,601 | $43,214 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $554.02 | $2,401 | $28,809 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Cherry Hill) | $34.63 |
| 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 Cherry Hill, NJ earn a median of $72,014 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.12% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.80% below the New Jersey state average of $74,089.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.63/hr = $43,214/year (purchasing power: $37,512).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,023/year (purchasing power: $62,520).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Cherry Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Cherry Hill grew 17.5% from $28.65/hr (2019) to $33.68/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.60/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 Cherry Hill 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 Cherry Hill
For part-time occupational therapy assistants working about 24 hours a week, the annual earnings may fluctuate significantly compared to full-time counterparts. This part-time scenario could yield a take-home pay of around $42,404, which reflects a comfortable living in Cherry Hill, though less than a full-time income. In the realm of per diem roles, COTAs might find billing rates around $30-$45/hr; travel contracts can reach between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly, providing lucrative opportunities though often with less job security. The variability in hourly rates across different employer types in Cherry Hill—be it in skilled nursing facilities versus outpatient services—can heavily influence total compensation. Understanding these factors is crucial when negotiating pay, especially as some occupational therapy assistants may opt for higher hourly rates with fewer benefits, while others might choose stability over pay. Hence, clear communication about one’s priorities in terms of pay versus benefits can enhance negotiation outcomes for those entering this field in Cherry Hill, NJ.
More salary data for Cherry Hill, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Cherry Hill in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Cherry Hill?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Cherry Hill paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Cherry Hill?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Cherry Hill?
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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 Cherry Hill. 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 Cherry Hill 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