Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in New Brunswick, NJ: $74,409 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in New Brunswick, NJ earns a median $74,409/year (≈ $35.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in New Brunswick's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $64,591 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New Brunswick, NJ, the projected median annual salary for an occupational therapy assistant reaches $74,409 in 2026. This falls in the salary range of $51,949 for the bottom 10% up to $91,547 for the top 90%. Estimated figures are drawn from state-level BLS data and adjusted for regional cost differences. For those considering a career in this field or looking at the COTA-to-MOT bridge, it’s essential to recognize how achieving a master's degree can significantly enhance lifetime earnings. Given the robust expectations for occupational therapy assistants in New Brunswick, there is an effective job market for those seeking to make an impact through their work.
About the New Brunswick Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,949 | $24.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,170 | $29.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,409 | $35.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,515 | $39.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,547 | $44.01 |
Median Salary Position
0.10% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Brunswick
In New Brunswick, NJ, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,598 (2026 est.). At $74,409, the local median is 0.1% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in New Brunswick: You'd be above the median
How New Brunswick Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
New Brunswick median: $74,409/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | New Brunswick Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $74,112 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +0.10% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in New Brunswick, NJ earn a median of $74,409 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.10% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.40% above the New Jersey state average of $74,112.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
New Brunswick has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
New Brunswick, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $74,409 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,591 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,574
2025 BLS Actual
$72,375
2026 Current Est.
$74,409
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in New Brunswick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,574 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,005 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,794 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,317 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,080 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,886 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,375 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,409 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,500 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Brunswick metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $61,574 (2019) to $72,375 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,500 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,926 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Brunswick 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) | $51,949 – $62,170 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,170 – $74,409 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,409 – $81,515 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,515 – $91,547 |
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 New Brunswick
Looking closer at the local job market, there are currently 8 occupational therapy assistants employed in New Brunswick, with the cost of living index sitting at 115.2, indicating that spending power can be affected despite the competitive salaries. Among the various workplaces, skilled nursing facilities often offer higher compensation compared to outpatient clinics and school district contracts, largely due to the increased productivity demands and patient care responsibilities. The spread in salaries is further influenced by factors such as weekend pay differentials and the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut on OTA-provided services, which took effect in 2022. To maximize occupational therapy assistant pay in New Brunswick, NJ, professionals should consider positions in environments offering a higher compensation structure, negotiate effectively for weekend or PRN shifts, and stay informed about continuing education opportunities.
More salary data for New Brunswick, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in New Brunswick, NJ in 2026?
Is New Brunswick, NJ a good place to work as a occupational therapy assistant?
Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in New Brunswick?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in New Brunswick?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in New Brunswick?
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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 $72,375 for occupational therapy assistantsin the New Brunswick 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 New Brunswick 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