Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Trenton, NJ: $50.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Trenton, NJ runs $50.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,472 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Trenton's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,689 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Trenton, NJ, command a median hourly rate of $50.23, which is slightly above the national hourly median of $49.71. This competitive rate benefits professionals working in various settings, including hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and schools. For those seeking part-time positions, such as working three days a week, this hourly pay can lead to substantial earnings while allowing for flexible schedules. The reported hourly range for occupational therapists in Trenton extends from $38.01 for entry-level positions to $66.74 for seasoned professionals, reflecting the diverse levels of experience and specialization within the field. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections based on 2025 data.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.01 | $304.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.14 | $353.12 |
| Median (P50) | $50.23 | $401.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.50 | $459.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.74 | $533.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Trenton
Based on $50.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.23/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Trenton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $104,481 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,278. With a cost-of-living index of 103.18 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Trenton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Trenton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,009.26 | $8,707 | $104,481 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,205.55 | $5,224 | $62,689 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $803.70 | $3,483 | $41,793 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Trenton) | $50.23 |
| 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 Trenton, NJ earn a median of $104,472 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.04% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 12.30% below the New Jersey state average of $119,124.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.23/hr = $62,689/year (purchasing power: $60,757).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,481/year (purchasing power: $101,261).
CoL index: 103.18 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+12.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Trenton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Trenton grew 5.9% from $46.03/hr (2019) to $48.74/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.77/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 Trenton 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 Trenton
To evaluate the financial viability of part-time and per-diem work in Trenton, it's essential to break down expected take-home pay. An occupational therapist working 24 hours a week could expect to earn around $62,680 annually, while full-time therapists may significantly surpass this figure. For per diem occupational therapists in Trenton, billing rates can span from $50 to $75 per hour, while specialty certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) can enhance earnings even further, often reaching $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay settings. Different employer types also play a critical role in compensation; those in skilled nursing and hospital rehab may encounter different pay structures compared to school districts or mental health facilities. Occupational therapists often face decisions between accepting lower hourly rates with benefits or opting for higher pay without insurance. Negotiating rates requires understanding regional trends and being aware of the financial benefits, making preparation fundamental for securing competitive compensation in this vibrant market.
More salary data for Trenton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Trenton in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Trenton?
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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 Trenton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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