Occupational Therapist Salary in Irvington, NJ: $118,714 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Irvington, NJ earns a median $118,714/year (≈ $57.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Irvington's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $103,050 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Irvington, NJ, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $118,714 by 2026, which reflects a premium compared to the national average of $103,400. Local salaries range significantly from $81,658 at the 10th percentile to $160,506 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse market landscape for professionals in this field. These figures are drawn from projections based on 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional price variability. With several avenues for specialization — particularly in hand therapy, which may offer additional pay through the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential — the local job market appears poised for growth, with a strong emphasis on improving quality of care and patient outcomes.
About the Irvington Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($106,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,658 | $39.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,979 | $47.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $118,714 | $57.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $141,473 | $68.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $160,506 | $77.17 |
Median Salary Position
14.81% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Irvington
In Irvington, NJ, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $78,848 (2026 est.). At $118,714, the local median is 14.81% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Irvington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Irvington Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Irvington median: $118,714/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Irvington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $119,071 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +14.81% more |
Occupational Therapists in Irvington, NJ earn a median of $118,714 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.81% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 0.30% below the New Jersey state average of $119,071.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Irvington has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Irvington, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $118,714 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $103,050 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$97,531
2025 BLS Actual
$115,189
2026 Current Est.
$118,714
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Irvington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,531 | Actual |
| 2020 | $99,058 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,243 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,980 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,643 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,698 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,189 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $118,714 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $122,346 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Irvington metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $97,531 (2019) to $115,189 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $122,346 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,815 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Irvington 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) | $81,658 – $98,979 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,979 – $118,714 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $118,714 – $141,473 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $141,473 – $160,506 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Irvington
Evaluating the occupational therapist pay in Irvington, NJ reveals a robust local job market, with only 10 professionals currently employed in this role. The cost of living index at 115.2 highlights the inflationary pressures that affect take-home purchasing power in the area. Notably, employers in skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation units tend to offer the highest compensation, often reflecting the demanding nature of these roles. Conversely, occupational therapists in school district contracts typically receive lower pay. Key factors influencing the salary spread include certification levels, specific settings (with hospitals generally paying more than schools or SNFs), and differing productivity expectations. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Irvington, pursuing specialized certifications like the CHT and considering year-round positions in higher-paying facilities may yield significant benefits.
More salary data for Irvington, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Irvington, NJ in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Irvington?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Irvington?
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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 $115,189 for occupational therapistsin the Irvington 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
Salary data for Irvington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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