Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Union City, NJ: $73,106 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Union City, NJ earns a median $73,106/year (≈ $35.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Union City's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $63,460 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Union City, New Jersey, can expect a median annual salary of $73,106 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $74,332. With a salary range extending from $54,810 at the lower end to $92,178 at the higher end, the pay landscape for these professionals reflects the ongoing structural differences within healthcare settings. In the wake of post-Medicare cut realities, many COTAs may find better compensation opportunities in hospitals compared to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and school districts. Given the changing reimbursement environment, familiarity with these distinctions can guide job seekers towards settings that typically offer higher pay.
About the Union City Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,810 | $26.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,911 | $30.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,106 | $35.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,204 | $39.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,178 | $44.32 |
Median Salary Position
1.65% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Union City
In Union City, NJ, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,368 (2026 est.). At $73,106, the local median is 1.65% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Union City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Union City Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Union City median: $73,106/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Union City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $74,144 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -1.65% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Union City, NJ earn a median of $73,106 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.65% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.40% below the New Jersey state average of $74,144.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Union City has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Union City, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $73,106 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,460 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,496
2025 BLS Actual
$71,108
2026 Current Est.
$73,106
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Union City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,496 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,902 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,712 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,191 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,905 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,347 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,108 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,106 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,160 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Union City metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $60,496 (2019) to $71,108 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,160 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,664 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Union 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) | $54,810 – $63,911 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,911 – $73,106 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,106 – $81,204 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,204 – $92,178 |
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 Union City
Examining the local job market reveals that there are currently 17 occupational therapy assistants employed in Union City, NJ, where living costs are above the national average, with a cost-of-living index of 115.2. This economic backdrop influences take-home pay and purchasing power for these professionals. Among the various employers, hospitals generally offer the most competitive salaries for occupational therapy assistant pay in Union City, NJ, particularly for those who are willing to take on positions with weekend or PRN requirements. The salary disparity within occupational therapy assistant roles arises from factors such as work setting productivity expectations and the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut, effectively driving down pay in SNFs. For those looking to maximize earnings, pursuing stable contracts in outpatient clinics or specialized early intervention programs, coupled with considering year-round employment options, can also improve financial outcomes.
More salary data for Union City, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Union City, NJ in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Union City?
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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 $71,108 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Union 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 Union 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