Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Lakewood, NJ: $73,546 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Lakewood, NJ earns a median $73,546/year (≈ $35.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $63,842 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Lakewood, NJ, can anticipate a median annual salary of $73,546 in 2026. This figure slightly trails the national median of $74,332, highlighting a competitive yet nuanced job market. Salaries in the local market fall within a range from $52,463 at the low end to $95,248 for the highest earners. These projections, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic factors, reflect the growing demand for occupational therapy services. Furthermore, as many COTAs consider pursuing a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), the potential to increase lifetime earnings is notable. In this particular region, understanding the pay structures and seeking advancement can significantly impact earnings over a career span.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,463 | $25.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,452 | $30.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,546 | $35.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,898 | $39.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,248 | $45.79 |
Median Salary Position
1.06% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, NJ, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,785 (2026 est.). At $73,546, the local median is 1.06% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $73,546/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $74,139 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -1.06% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lakewood, NJ earn a median of $73,546 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.06% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.80% below the New Jersey state average of $74,139.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $73,546 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,842 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,860
2025 BLS Actual
$71,536
2026 Current Est.
$73,546
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,860 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,275 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,078 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,571 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,302 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,868 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,536 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,546 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,613 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $60,860 (2019) to $71,536 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,613 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,753 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $52,463 – $62,452 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,452 – $73,546 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,546 – $82,898 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,898 – $95,248 |
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 Lakewood
The local job market for occupational therapy assistants is anchored by around 31 professionals currently employed in Lakewood. However, the cost of living index at 115.2 indicates that expenses are above the national average, which can impact the purchasing power of take-home salaries. Among the various employment settings, skilled nursing facilities typically offer some of the highest compensation, while school districts tend to be at the lower end due to funding constraints. Factors such as workplace setting, production expectations, and the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut have influenced pay disparities among occupational therapy assistant positions. To maximize pay in Lakewood, COTAs should consider diversifying their skill sets, exploring contract work with outpatient clinics, and remaining open to flexible PRN roles, particularly during peak demand periods. These strategies can lead to enhanced job security and financial growth within this evolving market.
More salary data for Lakewood, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Lakewood, NJ in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Lakewood?
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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 $71,536 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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