Occupational Therapist Salary in New Jersey
Based on 6K+ workers in New Jersey
Median Annual Salary (NJ)
$103,410
$49.72/hr
vs National Average
$98,754
+4.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$79K – $159K
6K employed in New Jersey
Curious about the **Occupational Therapist salary in New Jersey**? The median annual salary for an Occupational Therapist in the Garden State is $103,410, placing it a notable 5% above the national average. This figure represents the midpoint, with most professionals earning between $78,690 and $159,230 annually, reflecting a strong demand within the state.
Several factors contribute to the earning potential for Occupational Therapists in New Jersey. Experience level, specific certifications, and the type of facility where one is employed, such as hospitals, schools, or private practices, all play a significant role. Additionally, the high cost of living in many parts of New Jersey can also influence compensation packages, contributing to the elevated median salary.
Salary Distribution — Occupational Therapist in New Jersey
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $78,690 |
| 25th percentile | $91,770 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $103,410 |
| 75th percentile | $128,390 |
| 90th percentile | $159,230 |
Top-Paying Industries for Occupational Therapist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Occupational Therapists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Occupational Therapists in New Jersey tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $105,560 | 3K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $101,950 | 200 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $101,410 | 570 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $101,080 | 133K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $100,120 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Occupational Therapist in New Jersey vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New Jersey) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $103,090 |
| 2023 | $104,570 |
| 2024 | $103,340 |
| 2025 | $103,410 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,480 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New Jersey Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $103,090 | $88,771 |
| 2023 | $104,570 | $93,040 |
| 2024 | $103,340 | $95,329 |
| 2025 | $103,410 | $98,754 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,480 | $98,821 |
Occupational Therapist Salary by Experience Level in New Jersey
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $91,770 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $103,410 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $128,390 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $159,230 |
Occupational Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Occupational Therapist Salaries in New Jersey
How other high-demand occupations in New Jersey compare to Occupational Therapist ($103,410 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Occupational Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in NJ | $482,700 | +366.8% | $232.07/hr |
| Surgeon in NJ | $437,890 | +323.5% | $210.52/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NJ | $315,340 | +204.9% | $151.61/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NJ | $292,170 | +182.5% | $140.47/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in NJ | $291,350 | +181.7% | $140.07/hr |
| Cardiologist in NJ | $286,540 | +177.1% | $137.76/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NJ | $228,870 | +121.3% | $110.03/hr |
| Pediatrician in NJ | $201,560 | +94.9% | $96.90/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NJ | $194,070 | +87.7% | $93.30/hr |
| Dentist in NJ | $171,330 | +65.7% | $82.37/hr |
| Physician Assistant in NJ | $165,690 | +60.2% | $79.66/hr |
| Podiatrist in NJ | $160,300 | +55.0% | $77.07/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for an Occupational Therapist in New Jersey?
- The median salary for an Occupational Therapist in New Jersey is $103,410 per year, which translates to approximately $50 per hour. This figure is 4.7% higher than the national average for the profession.
How much can an Occupational Therapist in New Jersey expect to earn?
- Occupational Therapists in New Jersey typically earn between $78,690 and $159,230 annually. The median salary falls in the middle of this range at $103,410 per year.
What is the hourly rate for an Occupational Therapist in New Jersey?
- Based on the median annual salary of $103,410, an Occupational Therapist in New Jersey can expect to earn around $50 per hour. This hourly rate is higher than the national average.
Is the salary for Occupational Therapists in New Jersey higher than the national average?
- Yes, Occupational Therapists in New Jersey earn approximately 4.7% more than the national average. The median salary in New Jersey is $103,410 per year, compared to the national median.