Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Vineland, NJ: $74,286 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Vineland, NJ earns a median $74,286/year (≈ $35.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Vineland's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $64,484 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Vineland, NJ, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $74,286 in 2026, closely mirroring the national figure of $74,332. The local salary range stretches from $51,664 at the 10th percentile to $88,627 at the 90th percentile, reflecting different levels of experience and workplace settings. The diverse environments in which COTAs operate—ranging from skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) to schools and hospitals—significantly influence these earnings. Furthermore, the ongoing adjustments following Medicare cuts challenge practitioners to adapt, particularly in SNF settings. Given Vineland's unique market dynamics and localized economic factors, the prospects for COTAs remain stable, making this a promising field for those entering or advancing within the profession.
About the Vineland Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,664 | $24.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,918 | $29.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,286 | $35.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,492 | $38.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,627 | $42.60 |
Median Salary Position
0.06% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Vineland
In Vineland, NJ, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,963 (2026 est.). At $74,286, the local median is 0.06% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Vineland: You'd be above the median
How Vineland Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Vineland median: $74,286/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Vineland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $74,138 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | -0.06% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Vineland, NJ earn a median of $74,286 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.06% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.20% above the New Jersey state average of $74,138.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Vineland has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Vineland, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $74,286 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,484 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,473
2025 BLS Actual
$72,256
2026 Current Est.
$74,286
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Vineland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,473 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,220 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,692 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,211 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,969 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,741 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,256 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,286 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,374 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Vineland metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $61,473 (2019) to $72,256 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,374 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,901 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vineland 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) | $51,664 – $61,918 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,918 – $74,286 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,286 – $79,492 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,492 – $88,627 |
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 Vineland
The job market for occupational therapy assistants in Vineland is relatively concentrated, with only 11 professionals currently employed in the area. This small number can impact both the demand for services and the pay scales. The local cost of living index stands at 115.2, indicating that living expenses are higher than the national average. This is particularly relevant when evaluating take-home pay and negotiating salary expectations. Among various employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer higher compensation compared to school districts, which tend to provide more predictable hours but lower pay overall. Factors driving the disparity include productivity expectations, the impact of the recent Medicare reimbursement cuts, and the structure of contract agreements. To maximize potential earnings, COTAs should consider pursuing contracts in outpatient clinics or home health agencies, where premium rates may apply, especially on weekends or for PRN positions.
More salary data for Vineland, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Vineland, NJ in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Vineland?
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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 $72,256 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Vineland 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 Vineland 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