Occupational Therapist Salary in Sayreville, NJ: $115,742 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Sayreville, NJ earns a median $115,742/year (≈ $55.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Sayreville's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $100,470 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapists in Sayreville, New Jersey, stands at $115,742, reflecting a robust local market for this profession. With salaries ranging from $81,250 at the 10th percentile to $150,751 at the 90th percentile, the local occupational therapist pay in Sayreville NJ is notably favorable compared to the national median salary of $103,400. These figures are derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional price parity, and they come at a time when adjustments in Medicare reimbursements are impacting compensation in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and outpatient settings. As a result, the dynamics of this field in Sayreville are shaped by various factors including service settings, certifications, and patient care demands.
About the Sayreville Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($106,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,250 | $39.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,282 | $46.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $115,742 | $55.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $135,298 | $65.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $150,751 | $72.47 |
Median Salary Position
11.94% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sayreville
In Sayreville, NJ, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $69,501 (2026 est.). At $115,742, the local median is 11.94% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sayreville: You'd be above the median
How Sayreville Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Sayreville median: $115,742/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sayreville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $119,076 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +11.94% more |
Occupational Therapists in Sayreville, NJ earn a median of $115,742 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.94% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.80% below the New Jersey state average of $119,076.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sayreville has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sayreville, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $115,742 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $100,470 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$95,089
2025 BLS Actual
$112,305
2026 Current Est.
$115,742
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Sayreville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95,089 | Actual |
| 2020 | $96,578 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,783 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,302 | Actual |
| 2023 | $107,872 | Actual |
| 2024 | $118,652 | Actual |
| 2025 | $112,305 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $115,742 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $119,283 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sayreville metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $95,089 (2019) to $112,305 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $119,283 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,194 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sayreville 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) | $81,250 – $97,282 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,282 – $115,742 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $115,742 – $135,298 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $135,298 – $150,751 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Sayreville
With only 9 occupational therapists employed locally, Sayreville presents a competitive job market, which is further influenced by the area's cost of living index of 115.2. This index indicates that while salaries may be higher than average, the purchasing power is also significantly affected. Facilities such as hospitals typically offer the highest pay, followed by outpatient clinics and specialized settings. The disparity in earnings often arises from variables such as work environment, case complexity, and productivity standards. Thus, strategies to enhance compensation include pursuing specialized certifications like the CHT, considering year-round employment opportunities, and being aware of the impact of funding changes on job stability. As a potential occupational therapist in Sayreville, understanding these market nuances can help maximize your earning potential.
More salary data for Sayreville, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Sayreville, NJ in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Sayreville?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Sayreville?
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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 $112,305 for occupational therapistsin the Sayreville 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 Sayreville 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