Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Irvington, NJ: $35.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Irvington, NJ runs $35.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,875 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Irvington's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,330 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Irvington, New Jersey, the projected median hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) is $35.52, which is slightly below the national median of $35.74. This hourly rate presents significant earning potential for part-time COTAs, particularly those who may work three days a week, as well as for per-diem workers. Common work settings include skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, schools, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants can expect to earn around $24.35 per hour, while top earners in this field may see pay rates reaching $45.41 per hour. These hourly estimates, derived from annual salary data, reflect the competitive nature of the profession and the essential role COTAs play in patient care across various therapeutic environments.
About the Irvington 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) | $24.35 | $194.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.72 | $245.76 |
| Median (P50) | $35.52 | $284.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.91 | $319.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.41 | $363.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Irvington
Based on $35.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.52/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Irvington, NJ can expect to earn approximately $73,883 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,625. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Irvington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Irvington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,420.83 | $6,157 | $73,883 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $852.50 | $3,694 | $44,330 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $568.33 | $2,463 | $29,553 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Irvington) | $35.52 |
| 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 Irvington, NJ earn a median of $73,875 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.61% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.30% below the New Jersey state average of $74,097.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.52/hr = $44,330/year (purchasing power: $38,481).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,883/year (purchasing power: $64,135).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Irvington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Irvington grew 17.5% from $29.39/hr (2019) to $34.55/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.52/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 Irvington 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 Irvington
When considering part-time employment, a COTA working three days a week for a total of 24 hours can find themselves taking home less annually compared to full-timers, thus impacting their lifestyle and financial stability. The reality of per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Irvington is variable, with rates typically ranging from $30 to $45 per hour. Additionally, travel COTA contracts can yield between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly, a strong incentive for flexibility. Pay rates also differ across employer types—skilled nursing facilities and hospital settings may offer lower rates due to recent reimbursement cuts, while school districts might provide more stable benefits packages, which can be a trade-off for slightly reduced pay. COTAs in Irvington are encouraged to negotiate their hourly pay effectively, weighing the value of benefits like health insurance against higher hourly wages. Understanding the dynamics of local pay rates and negotiating wisely can help optimize earnings for those pursuing a career as an occupational therapy assistant in NJ.
More salary data for Irvington, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Irvington in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Irvington?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Irvington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Irvington?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Irvington?
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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 Irvington. 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 Irvington 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