Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Mount Laurel, NJ: $34.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Mount Laurel, NJ runs $34.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,709 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Mount Laurel's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,431 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mount Laurel, New Jersey, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $34.00 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $35.74 for the same year. This figure offers valuable insight for those considering part-time roles in various settings—including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health visits—where flexible hours are often available. With an hourly range from $25.52 for entry-level positions to $40.65 for seasoned professionals, prospective occupational therapy assistants can tailor their work schedules according to their financial needs and lifestyle preferences. These hourly rates are based on annual salary estimates, serving as an accessible gauge for both full-time and per diem opportunities in Mount Laurel.
About the Mount Laurel 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) | $25.52 | $204.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.65 | $237.20 |
| Median (P50) | $34.00 | $271.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.70 | $293.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.65 | $325.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mount Laurel
Based on $34.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.00/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mount Laurel, NJ can expect to earn approximately $70,718 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,799. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Mount Laurel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mount Laurel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,359.97 | $5,893 | $70,718 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $815.98 | $3,536 | $42,431 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $543.99 | $2,357 | $28,287 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Mount Laurel) | $34.00 |
| 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 Mount Laurel, NJ earn a median of $70,709 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.87% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.60% below the New Jersey state average of $74,118.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.00/hr = $42,431/year (purchasing power: $36,833).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,718/year (purchasing power: $61,388).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mount Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Mount Laurel grew 17.5% from $28.13/hr (2019) to $33.07/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.95/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 Mount Laurel 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 Mount Laurel
For occupational therapy assistants working part-time, say three days a week, the annual income can add up to a significant amount compared to full-time roles, especially given the fluctuating per diem rates that generally range from $30 to $45 per hour. Some agencies offer attractive contracts that can bring in weekly pay between $1,100 and $1,700 for traveling COTAs, although recent reimbursement cuts may have impacted agency pay rates for skilled nursing facilities. The variety of employer types in Mount Laurel—including home health agencies, school districts, and early intervention programs—leads to differing hourly compensation that reflects each setting's financial and operational demands. Occupational therapy assistants must weigh these factors carefully; higher hourly rates may not always include comprehensive benefits, making negotiations essential for those prioritizing health insurance over salary. Understanding the local market dynamics will empower COTAs to make informed decisions as they seek roles that align with their financial expectations and professional aspirations.
More salary data for Mount Laurel, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Mount Laurel in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Mount Laurel?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Mount Laurel paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Mount Laurel?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Mount Laurel?
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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 Mount Laurel. 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 Mount Laurel 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