OT Assistant Salary

South Brunswick vs Vineland: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between South Brunswick, NJ and Vineland, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

South Brunswick, NJ
$72,624
$34.91/hr
Vineland, NJ
$74,286
$35.72/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSouth Brunswick, NJVineland, NJ
Median Salary$72,624$74,286
Hourly Rate$34.91$35.72
Entry Level (P10)$51,802$51,664
25th Percentile$61,263$61,918
75th Percentile$76,346$79,492
Top Earner (P90)$90,774$88,627
Total Employed711
Side-by-side bar chart comparing South Brunswick ($72,624) and Vineland ($74,286) occupational therapy assistant salaries.South BrunswickVinelandMedian Salary$72,624$74,286Entry Level (P10)$51,802$51,664Top Earner (P90)$90,774$88,627US Median $74,332

Verdict

Vineland, NJ offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to South Brunswick.

The salary gap between South Brunswick and Vineland is $1,662 (2.29%). Vineland's median is -0.06% compared to the US national median of $74,332.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in South Brunswick spans $38,972,Vineland spans $36,963. South Brunswick has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

South Brunswick
P10 (Entry)$51,802
P25$61,263
Median$72,624
P75$76,346
P90 (Top)$90,774
Vineland
P10 (Entry)$51,664
P25$61,918
Median$74,286
P75$79,492
P90 (Top)$88,627

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Vineland ($64,484 effective) pays 2.29% more than South Brunswick ($63,042 effective).

South Brunswick
Nominal: $72,624
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $63,042
Vineland
Nominal: $74,286
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $64,484

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose South Brunswick if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($90,774)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Vineland if…

  • Higher median salary ($74,286/year)
  • Larger job market (11 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,484)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in South Brunswick grew -17.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -5.2% growth in Vineland over the same period.

South Brunswick, NJ

+-17.6%

$85,778 (2024) → $70,639 (2025)

Vineland, NJ

+-5.2%

$76,220 (2020) → $72,256 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: South Brunswick or Vineland?

Vineland has a higher median occupational therapy assistant salary at $74,286/year, compared to South Brunswick at $72,624/year — a difference of $1,662 (2.29%).

What is the hourly rate difference between South Brunswick and Vineland?

South Brunswick occupational therapy assistants earn $34.91/hr while Vineland hygienists earn $35.72/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from South Brunswick to Vineland as a occupational therapy assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing South Brunswick and Vineland. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: South Brunswick = $63,042, Vineland = $64,484), job availability (7 vs 11 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in South Brunswick vs Vineland?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapy assistants earn $51,802 in South Brunswick and $51,664 in Vineland. The South Brunswick area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, COTA/LData verified by Samuel Chen, OTR/L

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