Healthcare Elizabeth, NJ Pop. 137,298

Occupational Therapist Salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey

The median occupational therapist salary in Elizabeth, NJ is $105,293 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median and 5.8% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$105,293
vs State Avg
$-6,523
vs National
+$12,113
Cost of Living
108%

Occupational Therapist Pay in Elizabeth: What to Expect (2026)

Elizabeth offers a median occupational therapist salary of $105,293, which is $6,523 below the New Jersey state average of $111,816. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Elizabeth pays above average for this role.

Elizabeth's cost of living is 108% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Elizabeth spans from $70,060 at the 10th percentile to $144,086 at the 90th percentile — a $74,026 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,320, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $135,600. With a population of 137,298, Elizabeth is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Elizabeth by Experience

In Elizabeth, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $72,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $135,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,320
+$8,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$105,090
+$12,090 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$135,600
+$15,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Elizabeth, NJ

Percentile Elizabeth
10th Percentile $70,060
25th Percentile $87,236
Median (50th) $105,293
75th Percentile $124,074
90th Percentile $144,086

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

Jersey City, NJ
$123,929
Pop. 292,449
Edison, NJ
$111,816
Pop. 107,588
Newark, NJ
$109,021
Pop. 311,549
Paterson, NJ
$102,498
Pop. 159,732

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Elizabeth

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Elizabeth and the surrounding New Jersey area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Elizabeth may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Elizabeth

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Elizabeth, NJ:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Elizabeth

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Elizabeth, NJ? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey is $105,293 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $70,060 (10th percentile) to $144,086 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Elizabeth? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $105,293, a occupational therapist in Elizabeth earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Elizabeth compare to the New Jersey state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Elizabeth's median occupational therapist salary of $105,293 is 5.8% below the New Jersey state average of $111,816. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Elizabeth, NJ? ▼
Elizabeth has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $105,293 in Elizabeth has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Elizabeth? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Elizabeth require a master's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Activities, Patient Assessment, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.