Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Camden, NJ: $76,712 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Camden, NJ earns a median $76,712/year (≈ $36.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Camden's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $66,590 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Camden, New Jersey, the anticipated median salary for an occupational therapy assistant is projected to be $76,712 in 2026, which is slightly higher than the national median of $74,332, indicating a competitive compensation landscape. The salary range for this role varies significantly, with the bottom 10% earning approximately $55,050, while those in the top 10% can make as much as $96,247. These figures are estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic conditions. As Camden continues to develop as a healthcare hub, occupational therapy assistants might find increased opportunities to elevate their earning potential, especially for those aiming to bridge from a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), which substantially enhances lifetime earnings.
About the Camden Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,050 | $26.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,214 | $31.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,712 | $36.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,158 | $40.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,247 | $46.27 |
Median Salary Position
3.20% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Camden
In Camden, NJ, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,197 (2026 est.). At $76,712, the local median is 3.2% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Camden: You'd be above the median
How Camden Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Camden median: $76,712/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Camden Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $78,598 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +3.20% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Camden, NJ earn a median of $76,712 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.20% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.40% below the New Jersey state average of $78,598.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Camden has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Camden, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,712 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,590 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,480
2025 BLS Actual
$74,615
2026 Current Est.
$76,712
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Camden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,480 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,955 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,707 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,307 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,156 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,607 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,615 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,712 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,867 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Camden metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $63,480 (2019) to $74,615 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,867 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,387 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Camden metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $55,050 – $65,214 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,214 – $76,712 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,712 – $85,158 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,158 – $96,247 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Camden
The job market for occupational therapy assistants in Camden is relatively stable, with only 16 professionals currently employed in the area. However, the cost-of-living index sits at 115.2, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, they must be weighed against higher living expenses. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest compensation, followed closely by hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings. The disparity in pay can be attributed to various factors such as productivity expectations, work settings, and the recent 15% cut in Medicare reimbursements for OTA-provided services, affecting roles in skilled nursing and outpatient clinics. To optimize earning potential, occupational therapy assistants in Camden should consider seeking positions in high-demand settings, work on a PRN basis for weekends, and explore year-round contracts, as these strategies can lead to higher overall pay in this unique job market.
More salary data for Camden, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Camden?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $74,615 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Camden metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Camden is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
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