Atlantic City vs West Orange: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Atlantic City, NJ and West Orange, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlantic City, NJ | West Orange, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,566 | $73,504▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.41 | $35.34▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,136▲ | $53,914 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,462▲ | $63,102 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,585 | $80,029▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,821 | $88,908▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 11▲ |
Verdict
West Orange, NJ offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Atlantic City.
The salary gap between Atlantic City and West Orange is $1,938 (2.71%). West Orange's median is -1.11% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlantic City spans $27,685,West Orange spans $34,994. West Orange has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, West Orange ($63,806 effective) pays 2.71% more than Atlantic City ($62,123 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlantic City if…
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose West Orange if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,504/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,908)
- ✓Larger job market (11 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,806)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Atlantic City grew -17.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -17.6% growth in West Orange over the same period.
Atlantic City, NJ
$84,528 (2024) → $69,610 (2025)
West Orange, NJ
$86,818 (2024) → $71,495 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlantic City, NJ
West Orange, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Atlantic City or West Orange?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlantic City and West Orange?
Should I relocate from Atlantic City to West Orange as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Atlantic City vs West Orange?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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