Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Hackensack, NJ: $34.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Hackensack, NJ runs $34.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,128 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Hackensack's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,675 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the hourly compensation for an occupational therapy assistant in Hackensack, NJ, is projected to be $34.19. This rate is slightly below the national hourly median of $35.74. For those considering part-time roles, such as a three-day workweek, an occupational therapy assistant could expect to earn about $1,633 weekly based on a standard 24-hour schedule. This configuration is quite common in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health care. The hourly pay range for occupational therapy assistants in Hackensack varies, starting from an entry-level rate of approximately $26.04 to top earners making $41.28 per hour, indicating a breadth of opportunities and settings to choose from within the profession.
About the Hackensack 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) | $26.04 | $208.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.06 | $240.49 |
| Median (P50) | $34.19 | $273.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.90 | $287.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.28 | $330.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hackensack
Based on $34.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.19/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hackensack, NJ can expect to earn approximately $71,125 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,034. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hackensack.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hackensack
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,367.78 | $5,927 | $71,125 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $820.67 | $3,556 | $42,675 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $547.11 | $2,371 | $28,450 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Hackensack) | $34.19 |
| 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 Hackensack, NJ earn a median of $71,128 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.31% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.00% below the New Jersey state average of $74,092.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.19/hr = $42,675/year (purchasing power: $37,044).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,125/year (purchasing power: $61,740).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Hackensack (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Hackensack grew 17.5% from $28.30/hr (2019) to $33.26/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.16/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 Hackensack 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 Hackensack
Part-time occupational therapy assistants can expect tangible differences in their annual take-home pay compared to full-time counterparts. For a typical 3-day workweek, the annual income can amount to around $84,696, which reveals how part-timers can still achieve a competitive salary while balancing other commitments. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Hackensack can vary significantly; many might find themselves billed $30 to $45 per hour, while travel contracts could yield weekly earnings ranging from $1,100 to $1,700. However, as reimbursement rates were impacted by the 15% Medicare cut in 2022, some COTAs working in skilled nursing facilities have faced declines in pay over recent years. Hourly rates differ across employer types, with outpatient clinics or school districts often offering different compensation structures. Some choose to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, while others may pursue higher-paying roles without benefits. For those negotiating salaries, it’s helpful to research local pay scales and consider the trade-offs related to benefits versus hourly rates in Hackensack’s diverse healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Hackensack, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Hackensack in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Hackensack?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Hackensack paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Hackensack?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Hackensack?
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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 Hackensack. 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 Hackensack 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