Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Trenton, NJ: $35.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Trenton, NJ runs $35.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,883 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Trenton's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,727 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Trenton, New Jersey, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $35.04 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $35.74. This hourly rate provides a solid income for individuals working in various typical settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. Those seeking part-time work, like a three-day-a-week schedule, can earn competitive wages, while per-diem positions may offer variable pay rates for flexibility. The hourly range for occupational therapy assistants in Trenton spans from $26.10 at entry-level positions to $45.25 for top earners, reflecting the potential financial reward tied to experience and setting.
About the Trenton 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) | $26.10 | $208.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.50 | $244.03 |
| Median (P50) | $35.04 | $280.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.45 | $299.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.25 | $361.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Trenton
Based on $35.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.04/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Trenton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $72,878 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,045. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Trenton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Trenton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,401.51 | $6,073 | $72,878 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $840.90 | $3,644 | $43,727 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $560.60 | $2,429 | $29,151 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Trenton) | $35.04 |
| 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 Trenton, NJ earn a median of $72,883 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.95% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.70% below the New Jersey state average of $74,143.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.04/hr = $43,727/year (purchasing power: $37,957).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,878/year (purchasing power: $63,262).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Trenton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Trenton grew 17.5% from $28.99/hr (2019) to $34.08/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.02/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 Trenton 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 Trenton
For part-time occupational therapy assistants in Trenton working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home pay can differ significantly compared to full-time colleagues. While full-time positions provide stable annual salaries, part-time employees enjoy flexible schedules but may miss out on benefits typically offered in full-time roles. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Trenton tends to vary widely; agency COTAs may bill anywhere from $30 to $45 per hour, while travel contracts bring in substantially more, ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 a week. Variability also arises from the employer type, with skilled nursing facilities offering different rates compared to outpatient clinics. Furthermore, some occupational therapy assistants might opt for slightly lower hourly rates if they come with robust health insurance, illustrating the trade-offs between hourly pay and overall employment benefits. Negotiation skills play a crucial role in achieving a favorable hourly rate, particularly for those entering the job market or seeking to transition into roles that offer better compensation.
More salary data for Trenton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Trenton in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Trenton?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Trenton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Trenton?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Trenton?
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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 Trenton. 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 Trenton 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