Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Perth Amboy, NJ: $34.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Perth Amboy, NJ runs $34.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,606 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Perth Amboy's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,560 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant in Perth Amboy is projected at $34.90. This figure is slightly below the national median of $35.74, indicating a competitive local market within the broader context of New Jersey's healthcare landscape. This hourly rate suggests favorable earning potential for part-time and per-diem workers, allowing those in various settings—such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics—to maintain a viable income while offering flexibility in scheduling. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants can anticipate beginning rates around $25.80, while those at the top of the pay scale may earn as much as $43.54 per hour, reflecting both experience and the specific demands of their workplace.
About the Perth Amboy 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) | $25.80 | $206.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.24 | $241.89 |
| Median (P50) | $34.90 | $279.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.49 | $307.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.54 | $348.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Perth Amboy
Based on $34.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.90/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Perth Amboy, NJ can expect to earn approximately $72,600 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,885. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Perth Amboy.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Perth Amboy
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,396.16 | $6,050 | $72,600 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $837.70 | $3,630 | $43,560 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $558.46 | $2,420 | $29,040 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Perth Amboy) | $34.90 |
| 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 Perth Amboy, NJ earn a median of $72,606 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.32% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.00% below the New Jersey state average of $74,088.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.90/hr = $43,560/year (purchasing power: $37,813).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,600/year (purchasing power: $63,021).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Perth Amboy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Perth Amboy grew 17.5% from $28.88/hr (2019) to $33.95/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.88/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 Perth Amboy 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 Perth Amboy
Occupational therapy assistants working part-time in Perth Amboy typically engage around 24 hours per week, translating their hourly earnings into an annual income that remains substantial yet below that of their full-time counterparts. This discrepancy is particularly relevant considering the 15% cut to Medicare reimbursements for OTA services implemented in 2022, which has impacted compensation in skilled nursing and outpatient settings. For per-diem roles, it's common for COTAs to receive between $30-$45 per hour, with lucrative travel contracts running from $1,100 to $1,700 per week. Although some facilities may offer lower hourly rates to provide benefits like health insurance, OTs should negotiate their terms wisely, considering both pay and overall compensation packages. Furthermore, pay structures can vary significantly based on the employer type — from school districts to home health agencies — offering potential for further exploration in seeking optimal employment opportunities within Perth Amboy.
More salary data for Perth Amboy, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Perth Amboy in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Perth Amboy?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Perth Amboy paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Perth Amboy?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Perth Amboy?
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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 Perth Amboy. 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 Perth Amboy 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