Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Plainfield, NJ: $35.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Plainfield, NJ runs $35.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,986 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Plainfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,394 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plainfield, New Jersey, the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants stands at $35.57, which is slightly below the national median of $35.74. This wage provides a stable income for individuals working part-time or per diem in various healthcare settings, including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation units in hospitals. For those considering part-time employment at three days a week, this hourly pay translates into a significant income boost compared to other professions in the area. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants may start at around $24.36 per hour, while more experienced professionals can earn as much as $45.70, reflecting the wide range of expertise and demand across different employment types in Plainfield.
About the Plainfield 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) | $24.36 | $194.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.48 | $235.81 |
| Median (P50) | $35.57 | $284.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.89 | $303.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.70 | $365.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plainfield
Based on $35.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.57/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plainfield, NJ can expect to earn approximately $73,990 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,687. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Plainfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plainfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,422.89 | $6,166 | $73,990 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $853.73 | $3,700 | $44,394 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $569.16 | $2,466 | $29,596 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Plainfield) | $35.57 |
| 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 Plainfield, NJ earn a median of $73,986 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.47% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.20% below the New Jersey state average of $74,134.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.57/hr = $44,394/year (purchasing power: $38,537).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,990/year (purchasing power: $64,228).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Plainfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Plainfield grew 17.5% from $29.44/hr (2019) to $34.60/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.57/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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield
For part-time occupational therapy assistants working 24 hours a week, the annual earnings can be markedly different from a full-time career path. With current per diem rates ranging from $30 to $45 per hour, COTAs who choose such employment can acquire substantial flexibility, although they may sacrifice the benefits associated with full-time work. Travel contracts for per-diem roles can garner even higher pay, with weekly billing reaching between $1,100 and $1,700, which may be appealing to those seeking transient positions. In Plainfield, the hourly rate varies depending on the employer type—while skilled nursing facilities may offer lower pay due to budget constraints, school districts and outpatient clinics could provide better compensation and consistent hours. Occupational therapy assistants often face trade-offs between higher hourly rates with no benefits versus lower rates paired with health insurance. For negotiations, it’s crucial to research local pay standards, highlight specific skills, and consider the overall compensation package to achieve the best outcome.
More salary data for Plainfield, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Plainfield in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Plainfield?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Plainfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Plainfield?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Plainfield?
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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 Plainfield. 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 Plainfield 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