Occupational Therapist Pay

Newark vs Vineland: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapist salaries between Newark, NJ and Vineland, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Newark, NJ
$104,719
$50.34/hr
Vineland, NJ
$98,360
$47.28/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNewark, NJVineland, NJ
Median Salary$104,719$98,360
Hourly Rate$50.34$47.28
Entry Level (P10)$67,874$79,573
25th Percentile$86,806$84,726
75th Percentile$127,166$118,364
Top Earner (P90)$147,873$124,630
Total Employed6160
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Newark ($104,719) and Vineland ($98,360) occupational therapist salaries.NewarkVinelandMedian Salary$104,719$98,360Entry Level (P10)$67,874$79,573Top Earner (P90)$147,873$124,630US Median $103,400

Verdict

Newark, NJ offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Vineland.

The salary gap between Newark and Vineland is $6,359 (6.47%). Newark's median is +1.28% 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,Vineland spans $45,057. Newark has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Newark
P10 (Entry)$67,874
P25$86,806
Median$104,719
P75$127,166
P90 (Top)$147,873
Vineland
P10 (Entry)$79,573
P25$84,726
Median$98,360
P75$118,364
P90 (Top)$124,630

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Vineland ($102,492 effective) pays 12.75% more than Newark ($90,902 effective).

Newark
Nominal: $104,719
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $90,902
Vineland
Nominal: $98,360
CoL Index: 95.968
Adjusted: $102,492

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Newark if…

  • Higher median salary ($104,719/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($147,873)
  • Larger job market (61 employed)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Vineland if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,492)
  • 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 -4.3% growth in Vineland over the same period.

Newark, NJ

+-20.9%

$128,407 (2024) → $101,610 (2025)

Vineland, NJ

+-4.3%

$99,690 (2019) → $95,440 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Newark or Vineland?

Newark has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $104,719/year, compared to Vineland at $98,360/year — a difference of $6,359 (6.47%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Vineland?

Newark occupational therapists earn $50.34/hr while Vineland hygienists earn $47.28/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Newark to Vineland as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Newark and Vineland. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Newark = $90,902, Vineland = $102,492), job availability (61 vs 60 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Newark vs Vineland?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $67,874 in Newark and $79,573 in Vineland. The Vineland area offers higher starting salaries.
JM

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Chen, OTR/LData verified by Luis Garcia, OTR/L

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