Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in South Brunswick, NJ: $72,624 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in South Brunswick, NJ earns a median $72,624/year (≈ $34.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in South Brunswick's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $63,042 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Brunswick, NJ, the anticipated median annual occupational therapy assistant salary for 2026 is projected at $72,624. This marks a slight decline of 2.30% compared to the national median of $74,332, while still reflecting a robust income potential in the local market. The salary range for occupational therapy assistants here varies significantly, with the lower 10% earning approximately $51,802 and the upper 90% making around $90,774. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and tailored to account for regional cost adjustments, indicating that South Brunswick offers competitive pay for occupational therapy assistants, especially as they look to bridge to a Master’s degree.
About the South Brunswick Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,802 | $24.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,263 | $29.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,624 | $34.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,346 | $36.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,774 | $43.64 |
Median Salary Position
2.3% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Brunswick
In South Brunswick, NJ, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,972 (2026 est.). At $72,624, the local median is 2.3% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Brunswick: You'd be above the median
How South Brunswick Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
South Brunswick median: $72,624/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Brunswick Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $74,106 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -2.30% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in South Brunswick, NJ earn a median of $72,624 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.30% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.00% below the New Jersey state average of $74,106.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Brunswick has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Brunswick, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $72,624 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,042 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,097
2025 BLS Actual
$70,639
2026 Current Est.
$72,624
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in South Brunswick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,097 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,494 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,312 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,774 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,471 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,778 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,639 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,624 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,665 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Brunswick metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $60,097 (2019) to $70,639 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,665 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,568 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South 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) | $51,802 – $61,263 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,263 – $72,624 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,624 – $76,346 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,346 – $90,774 |
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 South Brunswick
The local employment landscape features seven occupational therapy assistants, which highlights a specific focus in the job market. With a cost-of-living index of 115.2, South Brunswick presents some challenges for take-home value, suggesting that salaries must stretch further to meet higher living costs. Among the various employment options, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab typically offer the best compensation, while positions in school districts and outpatient clinics may provide fewer financial rewards. The disparity in salaries often stems from productivity demands and the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut, along with variations in work settings—hospitals generally pay more than schools or skilled nursing facilities. For those looking to maximize their pay in South Brunswick, focusing on skilled nursing or inpatient rehab roles, considering weekend or PRN opportunities, and pursuing further education could provide the best potential for increased earnings.
More salary data for South Brunswick, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in South Brunswick, NJ in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in South Brunswick?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in South Brunswick?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in South 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 $70,639 for occupational therapy assistantsin the South 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 South 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