Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Sayreville, NJ: $34.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Sayreville, NJ runs $34.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,026 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Sayreville's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,214 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sayreville, New Jersey, occupational therapy assistants earn a median hourly rate of $34.63, which falls slightly below the national median of $35.74. This pay scale significantly affects part-time and per-diem workers, who often seek positions in diverse environments, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and schools. For those working an average of three days a week, the ability to earn between $24.22 and $42.64 per hour provides flexibility, making this profession attractive for individuals balancing other commitments. The lower end of the pay scale caters to entry-level positions, while experienced therapists can command higher hourly wages, enhancing the appeal of occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Sayreville.
About the Sayreville 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) | $24.22 | $193.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.20 | $241.56 |
| Median (P50) | $34.63 | $277.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.16 | $305.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.64 | $341.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sayreville
Based on $34.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.63/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sayreville, NJ can expect to earn approximately $72,023 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,552. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sayreville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sayreville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,385.06 | $6,002 | $72,023 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $831.03 | $3,601 | $43,214 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $554.02 | $2,401 | $28,809 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Sayreville) | $34.63 |
| 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 Sayreville, NJ earn a median of $72,026 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.10% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.80% below the New Jersey state average of $74,100.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.63/hr = $43,214/year (purchasing power: $37,512).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,023/year (purchasing power: $62,520).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Sayreville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Sayreville grew 17.5% from $28.65/hr (2019) to $33.68/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.60/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 Sayreville 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 Sayreville
Part-time occupational therapy assistants who work 24 hours per week can expect to take home approximately $43,000 annually, which contrasts sharply with full-time COTAs enjoying benefits and stability. The per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Sayreville typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, providing a lucrative option for those willing to embrace the unpredictability of agency work or locum tenens contracts. Skilled nursing facilities might offer lower rates following the 15% Medicare cut, while other settings—like outpatient clinics or early intervention programs—may present better opportunities for higher pay. Some occupational therapy assistants choose positions with lower hourly rates for the security of health benefits, while others prefer higher pay, taking risks for less stability. Effective negotiation skills are crucial in the Sayreville job market; understanding one's worth and the nuances of provider contracts can make a significant difference in securing competitive compensation.
More salary data for Sayreville, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Sayreville in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Sayreville?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Sayreville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Sayreville?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Sayreville?
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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 Sayreville. 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 Sayreville 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