Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Vineland, NJ: $35.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Vineland, NJ runs $35.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,286 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Vineland's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,574 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Vineland, NJ, earn a median hourly rate of $35.72, which is slightly below the national median of $35.74. This hourly pay supports various employment scenarios, allowing COTAs to meet their financial goals whether they are working part-time in skilled nursing facilities or taking on per-diem roles in hospital rehabilitation units, outpatient clinic settings, or home health visits. Entry-level workers can expect to earn around $24.84 per hour, while experienced professionals can command as much as $42.60 per hour. These figures represent the projected outcomes for 2026 and reflect the growing importance of COTAs in rehabilitation services across diverse environments.
About the Vineland 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) | $24.84 | $198.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.76 | $238.11 |
| Median (P50) | $35.72 | $285.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.21 | $305.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.60 | $340.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vineland
Based on $35.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.72/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vineland, NJ can expect to earn approximately $74,290 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,859. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Vineland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vineland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,428.65 | $6,191 | $74,290 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $857.19 | $3,714 | $44,574 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $571.46 | $2,476 | $29,716 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Vineland) | $35.72 |
| 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 Vineland, NJ earn a median of $74,286 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.06% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.20% above the New Jersey state average of $74,138.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.72/hr = $44,574/year (purchasing power: $38,693).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,290/year (purchasing power: $64,488).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Vineland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Vineland grew 17.5% from $29.56/hr (2019) to $34.74/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.72/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 Vineland 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 Vineland
When considering earning potential, part-time occupational therapy assistants working three days a week can expect to take home a significantly different income compared to their full-time counterparts, especially when many facilities offer varied pay scales. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Vineland typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, reflecting a need for flexibility in the workforce due to factors like the 15% cut in Medicare-funded services that took effect in 2022. Different employer types, including school districts and outpatient clinics, contribute to a shift in hourly rates, with some offering benefits in lieu of higher pay rates. Negotiating for hourly compensation can be crucial; professionals should consider their total compensation package and be prepared to discuss health insurance options versus higher pay rates without benefits to optimize their overall job satisfaction and financial health.
More salary data for Vineland, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Vineland in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Vineland?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Vineland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Vineland?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Vineland?
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 Vineland. 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 Vineland 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