Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Bloomfield, NJ: $72,372 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Bloomfield, NJ earns a median $72,372/year (≈ $34.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Bloomfield's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $62,823 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bloomfield, New Jersey, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapy assistants is estimated at $72,372 for 2026, just slightly below the anticipated national median of $74,332. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, with earnings spanning from $53,102 at the 10th percentile to $89,806 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates derived from state-level BLS data combined with regional price analyses suggest that occupational therapy assistant pay in Bloomfield reflects the broader challenges faced by the field, particularly in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and hospital settings after recent Medicare cuts. This dynamic presents unique opportunities and challenges, positioning Bloomfield as a site for growth in therapy service provision, especially within diverse clinical settings.
About the Bloomfield Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,102 | $25.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,401 | $30.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,372 | $34.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,520 | $38.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,806 | $43.18 |
Median Salary Position
2.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bloomfield
In Bloomfield, NJ, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,704 (2026 est.). At $72,372, the local median is 2.64% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Bloomfield: You'd be above the median
How Bloomfield Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Bloomfield median: $72,372/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bloomfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $74,152 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -2.64% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Bloomfield, NJ earn a median of $72,372 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.64% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.40% below the New Jersey state average of $74,152.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bloomfield has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bloomfield, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $72,372 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,823 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,888
2025 BLS Actual
$70,394
2026 Current Est.
$72,372
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Bloomfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,888 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,281 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,103 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,556 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,243 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,394 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,372 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,406 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bloomfield metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $59,888 (2019) to $70,394 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,406 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,518 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bloomfield 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 2.81% 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) | $53,102 – $62,401 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,401 – $72,372 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,372 – $79,520 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,520 – $89,806 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Bloomfield
The local job market for occupational therapy assistants includes about 11 professionals, which may seem limited but indicates a stable demand for these positions in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 115.2, the purchasing power here is impacted, emphasizing the importance of maximizing compensation strategies amid rising living costs. Among various employers, hospital inpatient rehab facilities typically offer the highest salaries, given their ability to meet productivity expectations and the complex needs of their patient populations. The salary spread in Bloomfield can also be attributed to whether the positions are in direct care environments or educational settings. Skills that cater to high-demand settings, such as weekend or PRN work, as well as year-round contracts versus school-year contracts, can also influence pay scales. For COTAs aspiring to increase their occupational therapy assistant salary in Bloomfield, NJ, seeking positions in hospitals and exploring opportunities for bridging to a Master’s program can enhance both expertise and earnings potential.
More salary data for Bloomfield, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 $70,394 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Bloomfield metropolitan area. A 2.81% 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 Bloomfield 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 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
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