Occupational Therapist Salary in Jersey City, NJ: $123,929 (2026)

Occupational Therapist Pay in Jersey City: What to Expect (2026)

Jersey City offers a median occupational therapist salary of $123,929, which is $12,113 above the New Jersey state average of $111,816. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Jersey City pays above average for this role.

However, Jersey City's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $123,929 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $96,820. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Jersey City should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Jersey City spans from $82,460 at the 10th percentile to $169,588 at the 90th percentile — a $87,128 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $85,120, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $159,600. With a population of 292,449, Jersey City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Jersey City by Experience

In Jersey City, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $85,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$85,120

+$21,120 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$123,690

+$30,690 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$159,600

+$39,600 vs national

Percentile	Jersey City	NJ State	National
10th Percentile	$82,460	$74,400	$62,000
25th Percentile	$102,676	$92,640	$77,200
Median (50th)	$123,929	$111,816	$93,180
75th Percentile	$146,034	$131,760	$109,800
90th Percentile	$169,588	$153,012	$127,510

Percentile

Jersey City

10th Percentile

$82,460

25th Percentile

$102,676

Median (50th)

$123,929

75th Percentile

$146,034

90th Percentile

$169,588

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Jersey City

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Jersey City 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 Jersey City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Jersey City

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Jersey City, NJ? ▼

The median occupational therapist salary in Jersey City, New Jersey is $123,929 per year, which is 33.0% above the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $82,460 (10th percentile) to $169,588 (90th percentile).

How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Jersey City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $123,929, a occupational therapist in Jersey City earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Jersey City compare to the New Jersey state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼

Jersey City's median occupational therapist salary of $123,929 is 10.8% above the New Jersey state average of $111,816. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Jersey City, NJ? ▼

Jersey City has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $123,929 in Jersey City has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Jersey City? ▼

Most occupational therapist positions in Jersey City 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.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Jersey City, New Jersey