Occupational Therapist Salary in Long Branch, NJ: $116,223 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Long Branch, NJ earns a median $116,223/year (≈ $55.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Long Branch's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $100,888 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapist salary in Long Branch, NJ, is projected to reach $116,223 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $103,400, reflecting a local premium that is approximately 12.40% above the average. The salary range for practitioners in this region spans from $82,386 at the lower end to $152,604 at the high end, illustrating a diverse compensation landscape. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data, take into account the regional cost of living adjustments, which in Long Branch is slightly elevated with an index of 115.2. For occupational therapists, acquiring further specialization such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential can significantly elevate earning potential, as hand therapy positions often provide the highest pay. The robust demand for skilled therapists in this location indicates a healthy job market, particularly for those equipped with advanced certifications.
About the Long Branch Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($106,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,386 | $39.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $93,778 | $45.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $116,223 | $55.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $136,257 | $65.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $152,604 | $73.37 |
Median Salary Position
12.40% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Long Branch
In Long Branch, NJ, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,218 (2026 est.). At $116,223, the local median is 12.4% above the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Long Branch: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Long Branch Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Long Branch median: $116,223/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Long Branch Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $119,081 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +12.40% more |
Occupational Therapists in Long Branch, NJ earn a median of $116,223 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.40% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.40% below the New Jersey state average of $119,081.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Long Branch has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Long Branch, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $116,223 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $100,888 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$95,485
2025 BLS Actual
$112,772
2026 Current Est.
$116,223
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Long Branch (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95,485 | Actual |
| 2020 | $96,980 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,182 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,735 | Actual |
| 2023 | $108,321 | Actual |
| 2024 | $119,145 | Actual |
| 2025 | $112,772 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $116,223 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $119,779 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Long Branch metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $95,485 (2019) to $112,772 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $119,779 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,294 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Long Branch 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) | $82,386 – $93,778 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $93,778 – $116,223 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $116,223 – $136,257 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $136,257 – $152,604 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Long Branch
The job market in Long Branch for occupational therapists consists of eight active professionals, which supports a competitive yet tight employment environment. The cost of living considerations are crucial, as the index of 115.2 suggests that salaries must stretch further in this area compared to lower-cost regions. Consequently, employers such as skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab settings typically offer the most competitive salaries. In contrast, positions within school districts or early intervention programs may present lower pay scales due to budget constraints. Factors driving salary variation include the workplace setting—where hospital roles often command higher wages than school or home health environments—as well as productivity expectations and contract types. Aspiring therapists should consider seeking positions in high-demand areas or acquiring specialty certifications to maximize their earning potential. Networking within local clinics and staying updated on job openings in settings known for offering premium pay are practical strategies for job seekers in Long Branch, NJ.
More salary data for Long Branch, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Long Branch, NJ in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Long Branch?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Long Branch?
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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 $112,772 for occupational therapistsin the Long Branch 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 Long Branch 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