Occupational Therapist Salary in Newark, NJ: $109,021 (2026)

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

Newark offers a median occupational therapist salary of $109,021, which is $2,795 below the New Jersey state average of $111,816. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Newark pays above average for this role.

However, Newark's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $109,021 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $97,340. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Newark should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Newark spans from $72,540 at the 10th percentile to $149,187 at the 90th percentile — a $76,647 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,880, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $140,400. With a population of 311,549, Newark is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Newark by Experience

In Newark, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $74,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $140,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$74,880

+$10,880 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$108,810

+$15,810 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$140,400

+$20,400 vs national

Percentile	Newark	NJ State	National
10th Percentile	$72,540	$74,400	$62,000
25th Percentile	$90,324	$92,640	$77,200
Median (50th)	$109,021	$111,816	$93,180
75th Percentile	$128,466	$131,760	$109,800
90th Percentile	$149,187	$153,012	$127,510

Percentile

Newark

10th Percentile

$72,540

25th Percentile

$90,324

Median (50th)

$109,021

75th Percentile

$128,466

90th Percentile

$149,187

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Newark

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Newark

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

The median occupational therapist salary in Newark, New Jersey is $109,021 per year, which is 17.0% above the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $72,540 (10th percentile) to $149,187 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $109,021, a occupational therapist in Newark earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Newark's median occupational therapist salary of $109,021 is 2.5% below the New Jersey state average of $111,816. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Newark, NJ? ▼

Newark has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $109,021 in Newark has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most occupational therapist positions in Newark 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 Newark, New Jersey