Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Lakewood, NJ: $35.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Lakewood, NJ runs $35.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,546 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,125 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, NJ, the projected median hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant is $35.36, just slightly below the national median of $35.74. This hourly rate offers a viable income for those considering part-time or per-diem work, common in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. For part-time workers, specifically those operating on a three-day workweek, this pay can translate to approximately 24 hours per week, ranging from $25.22 at entry-level positions to $45.79 for those with extensive experience. These hourly rates reflect the potential for growth within the profession while providing flexibility for those seeking alternative employment arrangements.
About the Lakewood 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) | $25.22 | $201.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.02 | $240.16 |
| Median (P50) | $35.36 | $282.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.86 | $318.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.79 | $366.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $35.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.36/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, NJ can expect to earn approximately $73,541 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,428. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,414.25 | $6,128 | $73,541 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $848.55 | $3,677 | $44,125 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $565.70 | $2,451 | $29,416 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Lakewood) | $35.36 |
| 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 Lakewood, NJ earn a median of $73,546 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.06% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.80% below the New Jersey state average of $74,139.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.36/hr = $44,125/year (purchasing power: $38,303).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,541/year (purchasing power: $63,838).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lakewood grew 17.5% from $29.26/hr (2019) to $34.39/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.35/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
In the part-time framework, a COTA working three days a week might realistically earn around $43,987 annually compared to full-timers who will obviously bring in more. Many per diem occupational therapy assistants in Lakewood can charge between $30-$45 per hour, with travel contracts offering around $1,100-$1,700 per week, albeit with wage pressures from the 15% Medicare cut impacting reimbursement rates since 2022. The hourly pay often varies significantly by employer type; skilled nursing facilities may offer rates that reflect the demands of direct patient care, while outpatient clinics might be more flexible but pay lower hourly rates. Some professionals choose positions with lower pay due to the benefits of consistent hours and health insurance coverage. When negotiating pay, professionals should consider their own financial needs, market conditions, and the specifics of the local job market in Lakewood to find the best balance.
More salary data for Lakewood, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lakewood in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Lakewood?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Lakewood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Lakewood?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lakewood?
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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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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