Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Montclair, NJ: $35.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Montclair, NJ runs $35.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,395 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Montclair's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,035 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Montclair, New Jersey, the projected median hourly rate for an occupational therapy assistant stands at $35.28, closely aligning with the national median of $35.74. This hourly wage is advantageous for both full-time and part-time professionals, particularly those working in skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health environments. For part-time therapists, such as those committed to three days a week, the pay equates to a stable income that can effectively support their financial needs while allowing for flexible schedules. The salary range for COTAs in Montclair extends from $25.64 for entry-level positions to $41.41 for highly experienced professionals, illustrating a spectrum of earning potential based on experience and work settings.
About the Montclair 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) | $25.64 | $205.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.59 | $252.75 |
| Median (P50) | $35.28 | $282.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.55 | $300.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.41 | $331.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Montclair
Based on $35.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.28/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Montclair, NJ can expect to earn approximately $73,392 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,341. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Montclair.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Montclair
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,411.38 | $6,116 | $73,392 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $846.83 | $3,670 | $44,035 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $564.55 | $2,446 | $29,357 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Montclair) | $35.28 |
| 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 Montclair, NJ earn a median of $73,395 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.26% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.00% below the New Jersey state average of $74,136.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.28/hr = $44,035/year (purchasing power: $38,225).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,392/year (purchasing power: $63,708).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Montclair (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Montclair grew 17.5% from $29.20/hr (2019) to $34.32/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.28/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 Montclair 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 Montclair
For those considering a part-time role of 24 hours weekly, their earnings represent a reasonable fraction of what full-time colleagues might take home due to their reduced hours. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Montclair can vary significantly, with professionals often billed between $30 and $45 for agency work, while travel contracts range from $1,100 to $1,700 per week. As reimbursement rates have pressures from Medicare cuts affecting pay levels, some facilities are forced to offer competitive wages across various employment types to attract talent. COTAs working in different environments, such as outpatient clinics versus skilled nursing facilities, may encounter varying pay scales, with the latter often offering slightly higher compensation due to the more demanding nature of the work setting. When negotiating hourly pay, particularly in Montclair, it can be beneficial to consider benefits packages offered by employers, balancing potential health insurance coverage against the higher hourly rates that come without benefits.
More salary data for Montclair, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Montclair in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Montclair?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Montclair paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Montclair?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Montclair?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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 Montclair. 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 Montclair 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