Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Montclair, NJ: $56.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Montclair, NJ runs $56.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $117,942 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Montclair's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,766 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Montclair, New Jersey, the projected median hourly pay for occupational therapists in 2026 stands at $56.70. This figure exceeds the national hourly median of $49.71, reflecting a competitive earning environment for OTs in this region. With a salary range from $41.35 at the 10th percentile to $70.59 at the 90th percentile, occupational therapists in Montclair can expect diverse opportunities, especially in part-time positions across various settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient therapy clinics. For those in per-diem roles, the compensation allows for significant flexibility, making it ideal for therapists seeking to balance personal commitments with professional practice. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates and emphasize the financial potential available to individuals entering this vital health care field.
About the Montclair Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($106,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.35 | $330.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.97 | $391.79 |
| Median (P50) | $56.70 | $453.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.12 | $512.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.59 | $564.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Montclair
Based on $56.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.70/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Montclair, NJ can expect to earn approximately $117,944 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,044. 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) | $2,268.14 | $9,829 | $117,944 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,360.89 | $5,897 | $70,766 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $907.26 | $3,931 | $47,177 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Montclair) | $56.70 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Montclair, NJ earn a median of $117,942 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.06% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 1.00% below the New Jersey state average of $119,133.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.70/hr = $70,766/year (purchasing power: $61,429).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $117,944/year (purchasing power: $102,382).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Montclair (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Montclair grew 18.1% from $46.59/hr (2019) to $55.02/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.44/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists 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 3.06% 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 Therapist in Montclair
When evaluating part-time opportunities, an occupational therapist working three days a week can expect to bring home a significant income while enjoying the benefits of a flexible schedule. For instance, working 24 hours weekly at the median hourly rate translates to an annual income that can vary significantly when compared to a full-time commitment. Per-diem occupational therapists in Montclair typically earn between $50-$75 per hour, with specialists like CHT-credentialed hand therapists commanding rates of $80-$110 in cash-pay settings. In addition, travel OT contracts often provide weekly earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, making them highly lucrative in specific contexts. Different employer types influence hourly rates as well; for example, an OT employed in home health may face different compensation dynamics than one in a school district or skilled nursing facility. Like many in the health sector, OTs may accept lower-paying positions for the benefits of full-time employment, which is crucial for those relying on health insurance. Therapists interested in hourly pay can benefit from negotiating their rates and exploring various settings to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Montclair, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Montclair in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Montclair?
Are occupational therapists in Montclair paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Montclair?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Montclair?
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Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
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 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists 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 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov