Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Jersey City, NJ: $78,389 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Jersey City, NJ earns a median $78,389/year (≈ $37.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Jersey City's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $68,046 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistant salaries in Jersey City, New Jersey, are projected to reach a median value of $78,389 in 2026, placing them slightly above the national median of $74,332. The salary range for this profession in the area reflects varying levels of experience and job settings, with the lowest earners making around $52,198, while the top 10% can secure nearly $99,001. These figures stem from analysis of BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional price differences. Given the significant cuts to Medicare reimbursement impacting services provided by occupational therapy assistants, particularly in skilled nursing facilities, the financial outlook for COTAs can vary greatly depending on where they are employed, highlighting the structural divides within this field.
About the Jersey City Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,198 | $25.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,211 | $30.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,389 | $37.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,423 | $41.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,001 | $47.60 |
Median Salary Position
5.46% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jersey City
In Jersey City, NJ, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,803 (2026 est.). At $78,389, the local median is 5.46% above the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Jersey City: You'd be above the median
How Jersey City Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Jersey City median: $78,389/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jersey City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $77,078 | +1.70% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +5.46% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Jersey City, NJ earn a median of $78,389 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.46% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.70% above the New Jersey state average of $77,078.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jersey City has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Jersey City, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,389 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,046 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,867
2025 BLS Actual
$76,246
2026 Current Est.
$78,389
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Jersey City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,867 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,375 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,099 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,757 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,667 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,726 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,246 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,389 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,591 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jersey City metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $64,867 (2019) to $76,246 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,591 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,724 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jersey City 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) | $52,198 – $64,211 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,211 – $78,389 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,389 – $86,423 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,423 – $99,001 |
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 Jersey City
Looking at the local job market, there are currently 42 occupational therapy assistants working in Jersey City, reflecting the demand for this career. The cost of living in Jersey City, with a CoL index of 115.2, affects take-home pay, suggesting that the high salaries may not stretch as far as expected. Generally, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings tend to offer higher compensation compared to school districts and outpatient clinics. Factors such as productivity expectations, employment contracts—whether they are year-round or tied to the school calendar—and specific job duties drive the disparities in pay. Recent trends indicate that earning potential can be maximized through strategic decisions like pursuing positions in high-paying settings or leveraging additional certifications. Additionally, understanding the implications of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut is crucial for those considering their career paths in this field.
More salary data for Jersey City, 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 $76,246 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Jersey City 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 Jersey City 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