Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in South Brunswick, NJ: $34.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in South Brunswick, NJ runs $34.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,624 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against South Brunswick's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,573 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Brunswick, NJ, the projected median hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant is $34.91, slightly below the national median of $35.74. This rate presents various opportunities for both part-time and per-diem positions across different healthcare settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, or outpatient clinics. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants can expect to earn around $24.90 per hour, while those with more experience can command rates up to $43.64, providing a clear path for career advancement. The flexibility in hours also means that part-time occupational therapy assistants working three days a week can find a balance that suits their lifestyle, all while contributing significantly to patient care across South Brunswick.
About the South Brunswick 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) | $24.90 | $199.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.46 | $235.64 |
| Median (P50) | $34.91 | $279.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.70 | $293.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.64 | $349.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Brunswick
Based on $34.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.91/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Brunswick, NJ can expect to earn approximately $72,622 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,897. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in South Brunswick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Brunswick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,396.57 | $6,052 | $72,622 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $837.94 | $3,631 | $43,573 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $558.63 | $2,421 | $29,049 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (South Brunswick) | $34.91 |
| 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 South Brunswick, NJ earn a median of $72,624 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.30% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.00% below the New Jersey state average of $74,106.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.91/hr = $43,573/year (purchasing power: $37,824).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,622/year (purchasing power: $63,040).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in South Brunswick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in South Brunswick grew 17.5% from $28.89/hr (2019) to $33.96/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.90/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 South Brunswick 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 South Brunswick
When examining the earning potential of occupational therapy assistants, part-time work can offer substantial take-home pay, even if it differs from full-time potential. For those considering a part-time schedule of approximately 24 hours a week, the annual compensation aligns with a modest income but allows for flexibility and work-life balance. Per-diem occupational therapy assistants in South Brunswick typically see billing rates between $30 and $45 per hour, with some travel contracts offering weekly earnings ranging from $1,100 to $1,700. Despite the recent decline in premium rates due to reimbursement changes, opportunities remain. Moreover, variations in hourly rates exist depending on where one is employed—schools, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies may offer different pay scales. Some therapists might prefer higher hourly wages with no benefits, while others may opt for slightly lower rates to secure health insurance, a significant consideration given recent economic pressures. Understanding these options is key for both new graduates and experienced therapists looking to negotiate their worth in the South Brunswick market.
More salary data for South Brunswick, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in South Brunswick in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in South Brunswick?
Are occupational therapy assistants in South Brunswick paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in South Brunswick?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in South Brunswick?
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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 South Brunswick. 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 South Brunswick 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