Newark vs Toms River: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Newark, NJ and Toms River, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Newark, NJ | Toms River, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,719 | $117,440▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.34 | $56.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,874 | $88,268▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,806 | $98,965▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $127,166 | $133,911▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $147,873 | $149,163▲ |
| Total Employed | 61▲ | 17 |
Verdict
Toms River, NJ offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Newark.
The salary gap between Newark and Toms River is $12,721 (12.15%). Toms River's median is +13.58% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newark spans $79,999,Toms River spans $60,895. Newark has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Toms River ($101,944 effective) pays 12.15% more than Newark ($90,902 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Newark if…
- ✓Larger job market (61 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Toms River if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($117,440/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($149,163)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,944)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Newark grew -20.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -5.3% growth in Toms River over the same period.
Newark, NJ
$128,407 (2024) → $101,610 (2025)
Toms River, NJ
$120,393 (2024) → $113,953 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Newark, NJ
Toms River, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Newark or Toms River?
What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Toms River?
Should I relocate from Newark to Toms River as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Newark vs Toms River?
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