East Orange vs Paterson: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between East Orange, NJ and Paterson, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | East Orange, NJ | Paterson, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,149▲ | $74,074 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.13▲ | $35.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,678▲ | $53,657 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,053 | $63,520▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,475 | $84,124▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,424 | $94,239▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 31▲ |
Verdict
East Orange and Paterson are closely matched on overall occupational therapy assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between East Orange and Paterson is $1,075 (1.45%). East Orange's median is +1.10% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Orange spans $37,746,Paterson spans $40,582. Paterson has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, East Orange ($65,234 effective) pays 1.45% more than Paterson ($64,300 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose East Orange if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,149/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,234)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Paterson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,239)
- ✓Larger job market (31 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in East Orange grew -17.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -17.6% growth in Paterson over the same period.
East Orange, NJ
$88,760 (2024) → $73,095 (2025)
Paterson, NJ
$87,490 (2024) → $72,049 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
East Orange, NJ
Paterson, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: East Orange or Paterson?
What is the hourly rate difference between East Orange and Paterson?
Should I relocate from East Orange to Paterson as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in East Orange vs Paterson?
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov