Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Wayne, NJ: $56.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Wayne, NJ runs $56.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $116,638 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Wayne's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,982 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Wayne, New Jersey, earn a median hourly rate of $56.07, which is notably higher than the national median of $49.71. This robust hourly income reflects the significance of the profession in various settings, including hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and outpatient clinics. For part-time occupational therapists working three days a week, this translates into substantial earnings, as part-time hours can be structured flexibly, accommodating those who prefer a more balanced lifestyle. The hourly pay for occupational therapists in Wayne ranges from $41.53 for entry-level positions to $74.03 for top earners, indicating that experience, specialization, and setting play critical roles in determining compensation. These figures are derived from annual salary projections, providing a useful framework for evaluating pay levels in this field.
About the Wayne 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) | $41.53 | $332.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.57 | $364.59 |
| Median (P50) | $56.07 | $448.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.62 | $524.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74.03 | $592.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wayne
Based on $56.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.07/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wayne, NJ can expect to earn approximately $116,636 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,290. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wayne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wayne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,243.00 | $9,720 | $116,636 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,345.80 | $5,832 | $69,982 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $897.20 | $3,888 | $46,654 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Wayne) | $56.07 |
| 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 Wayne, NJ earn a median of $116,638 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.80% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.10% below the New Jersey state average of $119,140.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.07/hr = $69,982/year (purchasing power: $60,748).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $116,636/year (purchasing power: $101,246).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Wayne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Wayne grew 18.1% from $46.07/hr (2019) to $54.41/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.79/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 Wayne 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 Wayne
In analyzing the landscape of occupational therapist pay in Wayne, part-time practitioners working approximately 24 hours per week can expect earnings reflecting their hourly rate, albeit lower than full-time counterparts. Per-diem occupational therapists typically charge between $50 and $75 per hour, while those with specialized credentials such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) can command rates of $80 to $110 in cash-pay environments. Travel assignments further elevate earnings, with contracts ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. Variability also exists based on the type of employer—skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school contracts may offer differing compensation packages. Therapists often weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly wages without benefits and lower rates with health insurance, making negotiation strategies pivotal. Understanding the local job market in Wayne, NJ, along with typical hourly ranges, is essential for effective salary discussions and career advancement.
More salary data for Wayne, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Wayne in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Wayne?
Are occupational therapists in Wayne paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Wayne?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Wayne?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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 Wayne. 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 Wayne 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