Occupational Therapist Pay

Sayreville vs Trenton: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Sayreville, NJ
$115,742
$55.64/hr
Trenton, NJ
$104,472
$50.23/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSayreville, NJTrenton, NJ
Median Salary$115,742$104,472
Hourly Rate$55.64$50.23
Entry Level (P10)$81,250$79,057
25th Percentile$97,282$91,806
75th Percentile$135,298$119,591
Top Earner (P90)$150,751$138,812
Total Employed9210
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Sayreville ($115,742) and Trenton ($104,472) occupational therapist salaries.SayrevilleTrentonMedian Salary$115,742$104,472Entry Level (P10)$81,250$79,057Top Earner (P90)$150,751$138,812US Median $103,400

Verdict

Sayreville, NJ offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.

The salary gap between Sayreville and Trenton is $11,270 (10.79%). Sayreville's median is +11.94% compared to the US national median of $103,400.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sayreville spans $69,501,Trenton spans $59,755. Sayreville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Sayreville
P10 (Entry)$81,250
P25$97,282
Median$115,742
P75$135,298
P90 (Top)$150,751
Trenton
P10 (Entry)$79,057
P25$91,806
Median$104,472
P75$119,591
P90 (Top)$138,812

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Trenton ($101,252 effective) pays 0.78% more than Sayreville ($100,470 effective).

Sayreville
Nominal: $115,742
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $100,470
Trenton
Nominal: $104,472
CoL Index: 103.18
Adjusted: $101,252

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Sayreville if…

  • Higher median salary ($115,742/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($150,751)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Trenton if…

  • Larger job market (210 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,252)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Sayreville grew -5.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.9% growth in Trenton over the same period.

Sayreville, NJ

+-5.3%

$118,652 (2024) → $112,305 (2025)

Trenton, NJ

+5.9%

$95,740 (2019) → $101,370 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Sayreville or Trenton?

Sayreville has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $115,742/year, compared to Trenton at $104,472/year — a difference of $11,270 (10.79%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Sayreville and Trenton?

Sayreville occupational therapists earn $55.64/hr while Trenton hygienists earn $50.23/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Sayreville to Trenton as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Sayreville and Trenton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Sayreville = $100,470, Trenton = $101,252), job availability (9 vs 210 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Sayreville vs Trenton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $81,250 in Sayreville and $79,057 in Trenton. The Sayreville 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