Atlantic City vs Long Branch: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Atlantic City, NJ and Long Branch, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlantic City, NJ | Long Branch, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,102 | $116,223▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.13 | $55.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,811 | $82,386▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,024 | $93,778▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $116,963 | $136,257▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,050 | $152,604▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Long Branch, NJ offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Atlantic City.
The salary gap between Atlantic City and Long Branch is $16,121 (16.10%). Long Branch's median is +12.40% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlantic City spans $59,239,Long Branch spans $70,218. Long Branch has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlantic City ($101,259 effective) pays 0.37% more than Long Branch ($100,888 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlantic City if…
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,259)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Long Branch if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,223/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($152,604)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Atlantic City grew -2.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -5.3% growth in Long Branch over the same period.
Atlantic City, NJ
$99,250 (2019) → $97,130 (2025)
Long Branch, NJ
$119,145 (2024) → $112,772 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlantic City, NJ
Long Branch, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Atlantic City or Long Branch?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlantic City and Long Branch?
Should I relocate from Atlantic City to Long Branch as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Atlantic City vs Long Branch?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov