Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Newark, NJ: $50.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Newark, NJ runs $50.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,719 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Newark's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,830 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Newark, NJ, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $50.34 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $49.71. This rate offers part-time and per-diem workers a competitive advantage, particularly in settings like hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and schools. An occupational therapist working three days a week can effectively balance their work schedule to achieve considerable earnings — with an hourly rate that ranges from $32.63 at the entry level to $71.09 for top earners. These hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the diverse environments where therapists provide essential rehabilitation services. The variation in hourly pay allows for flexible work arrangements, accommodating those who wish to engage in per-diem roles or part-time placements while providing critical support to patients across Newark.
About the Newark 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) | $32.63 | $261.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.73 | $333.83 |
| Median (P50) | $50.34 | $402.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.14 | $489.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.09 | $568.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newark
Based on $50.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.34/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newark, NJ can expect to earn approximately $104,717 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,414. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newark.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newark
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,013.79 | $8,726 | $104,717 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,208.28 | $5,236 | $62,830 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $805.52 | $3,491 | $41,887 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Newark) | $50.34 |
| 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 Newark, NJ earn a median of $104,719 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.28% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 12.10% below the New Jersey state average of $119,135.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.34/hr = $62,830/year (purchasing power: $54,540).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,717/year (purchasing power: $90,900).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Newark (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Newark grew 18.1% from $41.36/hr (2019) to $48.85/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.89/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 Newark 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 Newark
When considering the part-time earning potential in Newark, an occupational therapist working a 24-hour week will take home a substantially different income than their full-time colleagues. Many per-diem therapists typically charge between $50 and $75 hourly, while those with a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential may command rates between $80 and $110, particularly in private cash-pay practices. Travel contracts can also offer lucrative pay, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 per week, making per diem occupational therapist pay in Newark quite appealing. However, hourly rates can significantly vary based on employer type. For instance, skilled nursing facilities and hospital rehab units may offer lower rates compared to outpatient clinics or home health agencies. Occupational therapists often face the trade-off between lower hourly rates with benefits versus higher pay without them. When negotiating their rates, therapists in Newark should be aware of the prevailing conditions in each setting, assessing their needs and securing a compensation package that aligns with their professional goals and personal circumstances.
More salary data for Newark, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Newark in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Newark?
Are occupational therapists in Newark paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Newark?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Newark?
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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 Newark. 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 Newark 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