Occupational Therapist Salary in Atlantic City, NJ: $100,102 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Atlantic City, NJ earns a median $100,102/year (≈ $48.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Atlantic City's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.9), that paycheck buys what $101,259 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 16.0% below the New Jersey state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected annual compensation for an occupational therapist in Atlantic City, New Jersey, is set at $100,102. This figure represents a competitive salary in the local context, with a range spanning from $75,811 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $135,050 for the top earners (90th percentile). Official estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data suggest that practitioners can anticipate a median hourly wage of $48.13. Those considering a career in this field in Atlantic City should be aware of the varying pay scales across different healthcare settings, such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and educational institutions, as these factors will influence overall earning potential.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,811 | $36.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $86,024 | $41.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,102 | $48.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $116,963 | $56.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $135,050 | $64.93 |
Median Salary Position
3.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Atlantic City
In Atlantic City, NJ, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,239 (2026 est.). At $100,102, the local median is 3.19% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Atlantic City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Atlantic City Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Atlantic City median: $100,102/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Atlantic City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $119,169 | -16.00% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -3.19% less |
Occupational Therapists in Atlantic City, NJ earn a median of $100,102 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.19% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 16.00% below the New Jersey state average of $119,169.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Atlantic City has a cost of living 1.14% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Atlantic City, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 98.857 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $100,102 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $101,259 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.16% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,250
2025 BLS Actual
$97,130
2026 Current Est.
$100,102
2019–2027 Growth
+3.9%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Atlantic City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,250 | Actual |
| 2020 | $97,580 | Actual |
| 2021 | $97,980 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,570 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,530 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,130 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,102 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,165 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Atlantic City metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew -2.1% from $99,250 (2019) to $97,130 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,165 by 2027 — a total increase of $3,915 (3.94%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Atlantic City 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $75,811 – $86,024 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $86,024 – $100,102 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,102 – $116,963 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $116,963 – $135,050 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Atlantic City
With 110 occupational therapists currently employed in Atlantic City, the local job market presents solid opportunities for growth. However, the cost of living index of 98.857 indicates that living expenses are slightly below the national average, allowing for reasonable purchasing power relative to salary. Among the employment options available, skilled nursing facilities often offer higher compensation compared to outpatient clinics or school contracts. Factors influencing pay differentials include the work setting—hospitals typically provide the highest salaries—alongside additional factors such as board certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, which can command a premium. Understanding the financial implications of working year-round versus during the school year is pivotal for maximizing earnings. Those entering the field should explore opportunities in specialized settings and seek additional certifications to enhance their marketability in the Atlantic City region.
More salary data for Atlantic City, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Atlantic City, NJ in 2026?
Is Atlantic City, NJ a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Atlantic City?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Atlantic City?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Atlantic City?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $97,130 for occupational therapistsin the Atlantic City metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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