Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Piscataway, NJ: $35.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Piscataway, NJ runs $35.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,711 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Piscataway's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,227 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants working in Piscataway, NJ, earn a median hourly rate of $35.44, which is slightly below the national median of $35.74 per hour. For those in the field, this translates well for part-time positions or per-diem work, particularly in settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. The hourly earnings for entry-level occupational therapy assistants can start at $24.20, while experienced professionals can see hourly rates surge to $45.27, indicating a robust earning potential across the spectrum.
About the Piscataway 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) | $24.20 | $193.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.21 | $233.67 |
| Median (P50) | $35.44 | $283.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.72 | $317.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.27 | $362.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Piscataway
Based on $35.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.44/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Piscataway, NJ can expect to earn approximately $73,712 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,526. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Piscataway.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Piscataway
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,417.54 | $6,143 | $73,712 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $850.53 | $3,686 | $44,227 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $567.02 | $2,457 | $29,485 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Piscataway) | $35.44 |
| 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 Piscataway, NJ earn a median of $73,711 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.84% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.60% below the New Jersey state average of $74,156.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.44/hr = $44,227/year (purchasing power: $38,392).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,712/year (purchasing power: $63,986).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Piscataway (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Piscataway grew 17.5% from $29.33/hr (2019) to $34.47/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.43/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 Piscataway 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 Piscataway
Looking at the financial implications of part-time work, an occupational therapy assistant who averages three 8-hour days a week (totaling 24 hours) can expect an annual take-home amount significantly lower than that of their full-time counterparts. Part-time workers in the Piscataway area might take home about $44,217 annually, compared to a full-time assistant earning $73,711. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay can range from $30 to $45 per hour, with travel contracts offering substantially higher weekly compensation, between $1,100 and $1,700, though challenges exist, especially after the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut affected pay in skilled nursing facilities. Different employers, ranging from hospitals to outpatient clinics, can also significantly impact hourly rates, and many opt for lower pay in exchange for health benefits. For those negotiating pay, understanding the specific needs of your employer and the typical rates within Piscataway can lead to better compensation agreements that reflect both skills and market conditions.
More salary data for Piscataway, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Piscataway in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Piscataway?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Piscataway paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Piscataway?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Piscataway?
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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 Piscataway. 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 Piscataway 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