Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Toms River, NJ: $35.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Toms River, NJ runs $35.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,082 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Toms River's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,855 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Toms River, the projected median hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants stands at $35.14, slightly below the national median of $35.74. This compensation reflects the potential for part-time or per-diem work in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. For professionals working three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into substantial earnings that support a balanced work-life dynamic. However, the pay scale ranges from $26.33 for entry-level positions to $42.05 for top earners, allowing for a wide array of job opportunities that cater to both new graduates and seasoned professionals. These figures offer a foundation to evaluate how to navigate the employment landscape as an occupational therapy assistant in Toms River, NJ.
About the Toms River 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) | $26.33 | $210.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.70 | $245.59 |
| Median (P50) | $35.14 | $281.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.68 | $301.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.05 | $336.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Toms River
Based on $35.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.14/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Toms River, NJ can expect to earn approximately $73,092 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,169. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Toms River.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Toms River
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,405.62 | $6,091 | $73,092 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $843.37 | $3,655 | $43,855 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $562.25 | $2,436 | $29,237 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Toms River) | $35.14 |
| 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 Toms River, NJ earn a median of $73,082 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.68% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.40% below the New Jersey state average of $74,120.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.14/hr = $43,855/year (purchasing power: $38,069).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,092/year (purchasing power: $63,448).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Toms River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Toms River grew 17.5% from $29.08/hr (2019) to $34.18/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.13/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 Toms River 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 Toms River
When analyzing part-time earning potential for occupational therapy assistants in Toms River, working three days a week at 24 hours can lead to an approximate annual income that differs significantly from a full-time commitment. Many part-time professionals opt for flexible hours, while per-diem roles offer an intriguing alternative, billing between $30 and $45 an hour, with travel contracts averaging between $1,100 and $1,700 per week. Connections with various types of employers—like skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies—can further influence hourly earnings. The recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut has also affected how agencies compensate COTAs, impacting pay structures in those settings. Some occupational therapy assistants may choose positions that offer lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, which can be a practical consideration when evaluating employment options. Negotiating hourly rates with insight into employer requirements and market trends can help secure a more favorable outcome for both new and experienced COTAs in this competitive field.
More salary data for Toms River, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Toms River in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Toms River?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Toms River paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Toms River?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Toms River?
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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 Toms River. 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 Toms River 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