Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Woodbridge, NJ: $36.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Woodbridge, NJ runs $36.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,127 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Woodbridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,074 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Woodbridge, NJ, earn a median hourly pay of $36.12, surpassing the national median of $35.74. This competitive wage is attractive for part-time workers, such as those who may choose to work three days a week, allowing flexibility in managing work-life balance. Per-diem occupational therapy assistants in Woodbridge can expect to find their work in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and during home health visits. The hourly pay range for these professionals stretches from $24.13 for entry-level positions to $46.98 for top performers, making it important for job seekers to understand the earning potential as they embark on their careers in this field.
About the Woodbridge 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) | $24.13 | $193.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.57 | $252.58 |
| Median (P50) | $36.12 | $288.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.84 | $326.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.98 | $375.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Woodbridge
Based on $36.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.12/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Woodbridge, NJ can expect to earn approximately $75,124 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,341. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Woodbridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Woodbridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,444.69 | $6,260 | $75,124 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $866.81 | $3,756 | $45,074 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $577.87 | $2,504 | $30,049 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Woodbridge) | $36.12 |
| 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 Woodbridge, NJ earn a median of $75,127 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.07% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.40% above the New Jersey state average of $74,090.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.12/hr = $45,074/year (purchasing power: $39,127).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,124/year (purchasing power: $65,212).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Woodbridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Woodbridge grew 17.5% from $29.89/hr (2019) to $35.13/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.13/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 Woodbridge 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 Woodbridge
When assessing hourly earning potential, a part-time occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week would accumulate significantly less annually compared to a full-time counterpart. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Woodbridge typically ranges between $30 and $45 per hour, but can vary with agency contracts, with travel positions offering weekly earnings of $1,100 to $1,700. However, be aware that the post-2022 Medicare reimbursement cuts, which affected SNF staffing, have led some facilities to reduce premium pay for agency workers. Different employer types also affect hourly rates; for instance, school district roles may offer lower rates in exchange for stability and benefits, like health insurance. Negotiating pay can be vital for occupational therapy assistants; knowing the market rate in Woodbridge and being prepared to discuss benefits alongside salary will give candidates the best chance to secure favorable terms.
More salary data for Woodbridge, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Woodbridge in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Woodbridge?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Woodbridge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Woodbridge?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Woodbridge?
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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 Woodbridge. 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 Woodbridge 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