Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Union, NJ: $35.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Union, NJ runs $35.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,832 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Union's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,895 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) in Union, New Jersey, are projected to earn an hourly median rate of $35.97 in 2026, which slightly surpasses the national hourly median of $35.74. This hourly rate is particularly beneficial for those in part-time positions—working three days a week can yield a substantial income without the commitment of a full-time schedule. The hourly pay varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $25.30 and experienced professionals earning as much as $43.46 hourly. These rates reflect a competitive market environment that encompasses diverse working settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and even home health visits, allowing for flexibility in both schedule and employment type. The estimated hourly amounts are derived from annual salary data, which shows promising numbers for COTAs looking to balance work and personal commitments.
About the Union 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) | $25.30 | $202.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.31 | $242.47 |
| Median (P50) | $35.97 | $287.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.82 | $310.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.46 | $347.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Union
Based on $35.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.97/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Union, NJ can expect to earn approximately $74,824 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,168. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Union.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Union
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,438.93 | $6,235 | $74,824 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $863.36 | $3,741 | $44,895 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $575.57 | $2,494 | $29,930 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Union) | $35.97 |
| 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 Union, NJ earn a median of $74,832 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.67% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.00% above the New Jersey state average of $74,091.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.97/hr = $44,895/year (purchasing power: $38,971).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,824/year (purchasing power: $64,952).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Union (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Union grew 17.5% from $29.77/hr (2019) to $34.99/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.98/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 Union 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 Union
In terms of earning potential, part-time COTAs, working a 24-hour week, can expect to take home about $44,749 annually, which contrasts with the earnings of a full-time assistant. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Union typically ranges from $30 to $45 an hour, with travel contracts that provide weekly compensation between $1,100 and $1,700. However, the reimbursement cuts implemented in 2022 have resulted in premium pay for agency positions declining, particularly in skilled nursing facilities. The hourly rates can fluctuate across different employer types in Union, which means that some COTAs may accept lower pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Those negotiating hourly pay should consider the total compensation package offered by employers, as benefits can sometimes offset lower hourly rates. For successful negotiations, it's advisable to research salary standards in each work environment and leverage any certifications or additional training, such as the COTA-to-MOT bridge pathways, to enhance credibility and bargaining power.
More salary data for Union, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Union in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Union?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Union paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Union?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Union?
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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 Union. 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 Union 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