Occupational Therapist Salary in Montclair, NJ: $117,942 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Montclair, NJ earns a median $117,942/year (≈ $56.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Montclair's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $102,380 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Montclair, New Jersey, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $117,942 by 2026, which represents a 14.06% increase over the national median of $103,400. Salaries within the field span from $86,002 at the lower end to $146,825 for the top earners. This data, derived from 2025 BLS state-level estimates adjusted for regional price changes, suggests a strong compensation framework for these professionals. Given the challenges posed by Medicare cuts affecting skilled nursing facilities and outpatient services over recent years, the job market for occupational therapists in Montclair remains competitive and robust, indicating a positive connotation for prospective and current therapists entering the field.
About the Montclair Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($106,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,002 | $41.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,868 | $48.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $117,942 | $56.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $133,377 | $64.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $146,825 | $70.59 |
Median Salary Position
14.06% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Montclair
In Montclair, NJ, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,823 (2026 est.). At $117,942, the local median is 14.06% above the national median of $103,400.
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How Montclair Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Montclair median: $117,942/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Montclair Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $119,133 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +14.06% more |
Occupational Therapists in Montclair, NJ earn a median of $117,942 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.06% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 1.00% below the New Jersey state average of $119,133.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Montclair has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Montclair, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $117,942 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $102,380 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$96,897
2025 BLS Actual
$114,440
2026 Current Est.
$117,942
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Montclair (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96,897 | Actual |
| 2020 | $98,414 | Actual |
| 2021 | $97,604 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,284 | Actual |
| 2023 | $109,923 | Actual |
| 2024 | $120,908 | Actual |
| 2025 | $114,440 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $117,942 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,551 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Montclair metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $96,897 (2019) to $114,440 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $121,551 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,654 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montclair 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) | $86,002 – $101,868 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,868 – $117,942 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $117,942 – $133,377 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $133,377 – $146,825 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Montclair
Only ten occupational therapists are currently employed in Montclair, NJ, which hints at a tight-knit community and potentially limited competition. The cost-of-living index in Montclair is 115.2, signaling higher living expenses compared to national averages; however, the substantial salaries can help offset this reality. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer lower salaries compared to hospital inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient hand therapy settings where pay tends to be higher. Certification as a hand therapist (CHT) can lead to significant salary premiums, underscoring the value of specialized skill sets in maximizing occupational therapist pay in Montclair. Navigating the pay scale requires strategic consideration of workplace settings, balancing productivity expectations, and seeking year-round contracts where possible, especially in an area where economic positioning is critical for financial stability.
More salary data for Montclair, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Montclair, NJ in 2026?
Is Montclair, NJ a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Montclair?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Montclair?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Montclair?
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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 $114,440 for occupational therapistsin the Montclair 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 Montclair 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