OT Assistant Salary

Vineland vs Wayne: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)

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

Vineland, NJ
$74,286
$35.72/hr
Wayne, NJ
$72,584
$34.89/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVineland, NJWayne, NJ
Median Salary$74,286$72,584
Hourly Rate$35.72$34.89
Entry Level (P10)$51,664$53,592
25th Percentile$61,918$61,245
75th Percentile$79,492$80,004
Top Earner (P90)$88,627$90,487
Total Employed1110
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Vineland ($74,286) and Wayne ($72,584) occupational therapy assistant salaries.VinelandWayneMedian Salary$74,286$72,584Entry Level (P10)$51,664$53,592Top Earner (P90)$88,627$90,487US Median $74,332

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Vineland and Wayne is $1,702 (2.34%). 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 Vineland spans $36,963,Wayne spans $36,895. Vineland has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Vineland
P10 (Entry)$51,664
P25$61,918
Median$74,286
P75$79,492
P90 (Top)$88,627
Wayne
P10 (Entry)$53,592
P25$61,245
Median$72,584
P75$80,004
P90 (Top)$90,487

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Vineland ($64,484 effective) pays 2.34% more than Wayne ($63,007 effective).

Vineland
Nominal: $74,286
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $64,484
Wayne
Nominal: $72,584
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $63,007

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

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Wayne if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($90,487)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Vineland grew -5.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to -17.6% growth in Wayne over the same period.

Vineland, NJ

+-5.2%

$76,220 (2020) → $72,256 (2025)

Wayne, NJ

+-17.6%

$85,730 (2024) → $70,600 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Vineland or Wayne?

Vineland has a higher median occupational therapy assistant salary at $74,286/year, compared to Wayne at $72,584/year — a difference of $1,702 (2.34%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Vineland and Wayne?

Vineland occupational therapy assistants earn $35.72/hr while Wayne hygienists earn $34.89/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Vineland and Wayne. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Vineland = $64,484, Wayne = $63,007), job availability (11 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapy assistants earn $51,664 in Vineland and $53,592 in Wayne. The Wayne 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