Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Kearny, NJ: $34.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Kearny, NJ runs $34.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,710 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Kearny's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,021 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Kearny, NJ, command a median hourly pay of $34.47, slightly below the national median of $35.74. This hourly rate provides essential insights for both part-time and per-diem workers in various settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. For those working part-time, specifically three days a week, the pay structure allows for flexible work schedules while ensuring competitive compensation. With hourly earnings ranging from $26.68 for entry-level positions to $42.13 for experienced practitioners, COTAs can find opportunities that align with their financial goals and professional aspirations, emphasizing the importance of experience and specialized skills in influencing overall pay.
About the Kearny 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) | $26.68 | $213.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.65 | $245.18 |
| Median (P50) | $34.47 | $275.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.48 | $291.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.13 | $337.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kearny
Based on $34.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.47/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kearny, NJ can expect to earn approximately $71,702 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,367. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kearny.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kearny
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,378.89 | $5,975 | $71,702 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $827.33 | $3,585 | $43,021 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $551.56 | $2,390 | $28,681 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Kearny) | $34.47 |
| 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 Kearny, NJ earn a median of $71,710 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.53% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.30% below the New Jersey state average of $74,157.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.47/hr = $43,021/year (purchasing power: $37,345).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,702/year (purchasing power: $62,241).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Kearny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Kearny grew 17.5% from $28.53/hr (2019) to $33.53/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.44/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 Kearny 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 Kearny
For occupational therapy assistants in Kearny, part-time work presents unique financial dynamics compared to full-time employment. A COTA working three days a week (totaling 24 hours) could expect an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Per diem positions further diversify income streams, traditionally billing between $30 and $45 per hour. However, shifts in the reimbursement landscape have impacted pay structures, particularly in skilled nursing facilities where some COTAs previously enjoyed premium rates. The types of employers can also affect earnings; contract work in school districts, outpatient therapy centers, or early intervention programs may offer different hourly rates. Additionally, while some may accept lower pay for benefits like health insurance, others might prioritize higher hourly wages with fewer benefits. Effective negotiation strategies specific to hourly workers, such as highlighting specialized skills and flexible schedules, can be vital in securing better pay in Kearny.
More salary data for Kearny, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Kearny in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Kearny?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Kearny paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Kearny?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Kearny?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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 Kearny. 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 Kearny 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