Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in South Brunswick, NJ: $56.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in South Brunswick, NJ runs $56.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $116,703 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against South Brunswick's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,020 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Brunswick, NJ, occupational therapists earn a median hourly pay of $56.11, which is notably higher than the national median hourly rate of $49.71. This competitive rate is particularly advantageous for part-time therapists working three days a week, as well as those considering per-diem opportunities. In traditional settings such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient hand therapy clinics, therapists can expect to earn between $40.15 and $74.12 per hour, reflecting a broad range of experience and specialization. The $56.11 hourly figure not only supports therapists in making a reasonable living but also facilitates flexible work schedules that can accommodate various lifestyle needs.
About the South Brunswick 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) | $40.15 | $321.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.55 | $364.42 |
| Median (P50) | $56.11 | $448.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.74 | $501.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74.12 | $592.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Brunswick
Based on $56.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.11/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Brunswick, NJ can expect to earn approximately $116,700 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,327. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in South Brunswick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Brunswick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,244.23 | $9,725 | $116,700 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,346.54 | $5,835 | $70,020 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $897.69 | $3,890 | $46,680 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (South Brunswick) | $56.11 |
| 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 South Brunswick, NJ earn a median of $116,703 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.87% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.00% below the New Jersey state average of $119,085.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.11/hr = $70,020/year (purchasing power: $60,781).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $116,700/year (purchasing power: $101,302).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in South Brunswick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in South Brunswick grew 18.1% from $46.09/hr (2019) to $54.44/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.82/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 South Brunswick 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 South Brunswick
Employing a part-time approach, a 24-hour workweek could yield an annual take-home of over $66,300, markedly lower than full-time counterparts but still substantial. For per-diem occupational therapists, billing rates often fall between $50 and $75 per hour, though Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) in cash-pay practices may earn $80 to $110 per hour. Travel contracts present even more lucrative possibilities, with weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. In South Brunswick, pay varies significantly by employer type; while outpatient clinics may offer higher hourly rates, positions in skilled nursing facilities or schools often come with benefits, which some therapists may prefer despite lower hourly compensation. OTs should also be prepared to negotiate effectively for their worth, particularly in the current environment where demand for skilled professionals is rising.
More salary data for South Brunswick, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in South Brunswick in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in South Brunswick?
Are occupational therapists in South Brunswick paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in South Brunswick?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in South Brunswick?
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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 South Brunswick. 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 South Brunswick 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