Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Franklin, NJ: $75,149 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Franklin, NJ earns a median $75,149/year (≈ $36.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Franklin's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $65,234 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median occupational therapy assistant salary in Franklin, NJ, is estimated at $75,149, slightly above the national median of $74,332. The salary range for these positions in the area spans from $53,678 at the 10th percentile to as high as $91,232 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities available based on experience, settings, and roles. These figures are derived from state-level data and account for regional cost adjustments, highlighting how local economic conditions impact compensation. As the demand for occupational therapy assistants continues to grow, those transitioning from a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) can expect significant lifetime earnings benefits, positioning themselves strategically within the profession and boosting their overall salary potential in Franklin.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,678 | $25.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,698 | $30.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,149 | $36.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,590 | $39.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,232 | $43.86 |
Median Salary Position
1.10% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Franklin
In Franklin, NJ, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,554 (2026 est.). At $75,149, the local median is 1.1% above the national median of $74,332.
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How Franklin Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Franklin median: $75,149/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Franklin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $74,111 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +1.10% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Franklin, NJ earn a median of $75,149 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.10% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.40% above the New Jersey state average of $74,111.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Franklin has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Franklin, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $75,149 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,234 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,186
2025 BLS Actual
$73,095
2026 Current Est.
$75,149
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,186 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,632 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,409 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,956 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,747 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,760 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,095 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,149 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,261 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Franklin metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $62,186 (2019) to $73,095 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,261 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,075 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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) | $53,678 – $63,698 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,698 – $75,149 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,149 – $81,590 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,590 – $91,232 |
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 Franklin
The job market for occupational therapy assistants in Franklin is relatively stable, with approximately 15 individuals currently employed in the field. However, the area's cost of living, indexed at 115.2, indicates that the take-home pay may not stretch as far as it would in lower-cost regions. Compensation typically varies by setting, with skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation often offering the most competitive wages compared to outpatient clinics and school contracts. Key factors influencing the salary ranges include the productivity expectations in different care settings and the recent impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut on occupational therapy services. To maximize earning potential in this specific Franklin market, aspiring occupational therapy assistants should consider gaining experience in higher-paying environments—like hospitals or specialized clinics—and actively pursue further education to ascend the COTA-to-MOT pathway.
More salary data for Franklin, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Franklin?
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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 $73,095 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Franklin 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 Franklin 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