Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in West New York, NJ: $35.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in West New York, NJ runs $35.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,763 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against West New York's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,253 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West New York, New Jersey, occupational therapy assistants earn a median hourly pay of $35.46, which is slightly lower than the national median of $35.74. This hourly rate offers substantial opportunities for both part-time and per-diem professionals working in diverse environments such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and during home health visits. A beginning occupational therapy assistant can expect to earn around $24.22 per hour, while more experienced COTAs can command rates as high as $43.01. These figures serve as projections for 2026, reflecting the continuing demand in the sector influenced by various healthcare policies and regional market conditions.
About the West New York 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) | $24.22 | $193.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.26 | $234.08 |
| Median (P50) | $35.46 | $283.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.45 | $307.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.01 | $344.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West New York
Based on $35.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.46/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West New York, NJ can expect to earn approximately $73,755 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,551. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West New York.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West New York
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,418.37 | $6,146 | $73,755 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $851.02 | $3,688 | $44,253 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $567.35 | $2,459 | $29,502 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (West New York) | $35.46 |
| 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 West New York, NJ earn a median of $73,763 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.77% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.50% below the New Jersey state average of $74,134.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.46/hr = $44,253/year (purchasing power: $38,414).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,755/year (purchasing power: $64,023).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in West New York (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in West New York grew 17.5% from $29.34/hr (2019) to $34.49/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.46/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 West New York 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 West New York
Part-time occupational therapy assistants working three days a week for 24 hours can take home an estimated annual income considerably less than their full-time counterparts, depending on the hours they bill. In the per-diem space, rates typically range from $30 to $45 per hour, making such positions appealing for those valuing flexibility. Travel contracts for COTAs can yield weekly earnings between $1,100 and $1,700, although potential candidates should be aware that agency positions, particularly in skilled nursing facilities, may offer reduced premiums due to reimbursement cuts that began in 2022. Hourly pay can vary greatly based on the type of employer, meaning those working in school districts or home health agencies might have different compensation structures compared to those in outpatient clinics. While some COTAs may choose fewer benefits for higher hourly rates, negotiating factors such as hours and benefits can be critical for those entering this competitive market in West New York.
More salary data for West New York, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in West New York in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in West New York?
Are occupational therapy assistants in West New York paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in West New York?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in West New York?
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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 West New York. 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 West New York 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