Occupational Therapist Salary in Jersey City, NJ: $106,359 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Jersey City, NJ earns a median $106,359/year (≈ $51.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Jersey City's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $92,326 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.7% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy in Jersey City, NJ, proves to be a lucrative field, with a projected median salary of $106,359 in 2026. This figure not only highlights the competitive nature of the local job market but also reflects a modest increase compared to the national median salary for occupational therapists, which stands at $103,400 for the same year. The salary range in Jersey City varies significantly, from approximately $71,063 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $142,522 at the 90th percentile. Estimates rely on 2025 BLS data projections and regional cost adjustments that factor into the area's economic landscape. Occupational therapists in Jersey City can choose among various employment settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and school districts, each offering distinct compensation packages influenced by the annual versus school-year contract trade-offs.
About the Jersey City Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($106,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,063 | $34.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,891 | $40.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $106,359 | $51.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $124,669 | $59.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $142,522 | $68.52 |
Median Salary Position
2.86% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jersey City
In Jersey City, NJ, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $71,459 (2026 est.). At $106,359, the local median is 2.86% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Jersey City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Jersey City Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Jersey City median: $106,359/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jersey City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $119,103 | -10.70% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +2.86% more |
Occupational Therapists in Jersey City, NJ earn a median of $106,359 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.86% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 10.70% below the New Jersey state average of $119,103.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jersey City has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Jersey City, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $106,359 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $92,326 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,381
2025 BLS Actual
$103,201
2026 Current Est.
$106,359
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Jersey City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,381 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,749 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,019 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,846 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,128 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,934 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,201 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,359 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $109,614 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jersey City metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $87,381 (2019) to $103,201 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $109,614 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,233 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jersey 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) | $71,063 – $83,891 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,891 – $106,359 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $106,359 – $124,669 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $124,669 – $142,522 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Jersey City
In Jersey City, 42 occupational therapists are navigating a job market that is both competitive and diverse. With a cost of living index of 115.2, the purchasing power of an occupational therapist's salary can be affected. Those employed in higher-paying environments, such as inpatient rehabilitation facilities and outpatient clinics, may find enhanced pay opportunities compared to positions in school districts or early intervention programs. Factors contributing to the wage disparity include workplace setting, board certification stipends (like the Certified Hand Therapist credential), productivity expectations, and the balance of contracts between year-round and school-year schedules. The anticipated 3.06% annual growth in occupational therapist roles further underscores the demand for professionals equipped with entry-level master’s or doctoral degrees. Therapists can maximize their earning potential by seeking employment in specialized facilities and pursuing additional certifications, establishing themselves as essential assets in Jersey City's healthcare ecosystem.
More salary data for Jersey City, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Jersey City, NJ in 2026?
Is Jersey City, NJ a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Jersey City?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Jersey City?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Jersey 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 $103,201 for occupational therapistsin the Jersey 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
Salary data for Jersey City 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