Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Elizabeth, NJ: $74,805 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Elizabeth, NJ earns a median $74,805/year (≈ $35.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Elizabeth's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $64,935 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant salary in Elizabeth, NJ is projected to reach a median of $74,805, slightly surpassing the national median of $74,332 by 0.64%. Salaries will range from $55,031 at the 10th percentile to $96,659 for those at the 90th percentile, providing a significant spectrum of earning potential for local professionals. The estimates are informed by state-level data and regional price adjustments, highlighting the importance of understanding local market dynamics. As the demand for occupational therapy assistants continues to rise, especially with opportunities for COTA-to-MOT pathways available, Elizabeth presents a promising job market for those entering this field.
About the Elizabeth Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,031 | $26.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,014 | $31.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,805 | $35.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,186 | $40.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,659 | $46.47 |
Median Salary Position
0.64% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elizabeth
In Elizabeth, NJ, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,628 (2026 est.). At $74,805, the local median is 0.64% above the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elizabeth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elizabeth Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Elizabeth median: $74,805/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elizabeth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $74,137 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +0.64% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Elizabeth, NJ earn a median of $74,805 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.64% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.90% above the New Jersey state average of $74,137.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elizabeth has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elizabeth, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $74,805 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,935 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,901
2025 BLS Actual
$72,760
2026 Current Est.
$74,805
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Elizabeth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,901 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,340 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,123 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,659 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,436 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,353 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,760 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,805 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,907 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elizabeth metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $61,901 (2019) to $72,760 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,907 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,006 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elizabeth 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) | $55,031 – $65,014 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,014 – $74,805 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,805 – $84,186 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,186 – $96,659 |
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 Elizabeth
Examining the local job market reveals that there are currently 25 occupational therapy assistants employed in Elizabeth. With a cost-of-living index of 115.2, obtaining a sufficient salary to maintain a comfortable lifestyle can be challenging, necessitating strategic career moves. In terms of compensation, skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals typically offer the most competitive pay, while school district contracts might provide more stable hours but often come with lower pay. Factors such as setting, productivity expectations, and the effects of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for OTA services since 2022 heavily influence pay disparities across positions. For those looking to maximize their occupational therapy assistant pay in Elizabeth, focusing on advanced certifications, securing positions in higher-paying settings, and negotiating contracts thoughtfully can be key strategies in navigating this competitive market.
More salary data for Elizabeth, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Elizabeth, NJ in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Elizabeth?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Elizabeth?
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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 $72,760 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth 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