Occupational Therapy Aide salary in New Jersey
Occupational Therapy Aides in New Jersey earn a median of $44,470 a year ($21.38 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $38,980 for the lowest-paid 10% to $46,270 for the top 10%. That is 14% higher than the national median of $39,160. New Jersey ranks 6th of 27 states for occupational therapy aides pay. The average (mean) salary is $45,300, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for occupational therapy aides in New Jersey
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,980 | $18.74 |
| 25th percentile | $41,750 | $20.07 |
| Median | $44,470 | $21.38 |
| 75th percentile | $46,270 | $22.25 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $46,270 | $22.25 |
| Average (mean) | $45,300 | $21.78 |
Half of occupational therapy aides earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,705.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,852.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,710.38 |
| Weekly | $855.19 |
| Hourly | $21.38 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Occupational Therapy Aide salary in cities in New Jersey
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $46,260 | 200 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $40,200 | 70 |
Highest-paying states for occupational therapy aides
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| North Carolina | $66,190 |
| New York | $46,220 |
| Washington | $45,890 |
| Nebraska | $44,980 |
| Connecticut | $44,840 |
| New Jersey | $44,470 |
| California | $43,480 |
| New Mexico | $43,170 |
| Massachusetts | $40,160 |
| Colorado | $40,110 |
Related jobs in New Jersey
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Aide | $34,430 | $16.55 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $78,440 | $37.71 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $74,960 | $36.04 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $37,090 | $17.83 |
| Nursing Assistant | $46,830 | $22.52 |
| Medical Assistant | $47,210 | $22.70 |
| Dental Assistant | $49,390 | $23.74 |
| Phlebotomist | $48,650 | $23.39 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $46,160 | $22.19 |
| Massage Therapist | $50,150 | $24.11 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $49,600 | $23.85 |
| Orderly | $38,670 | $18.59 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $50,280 | $24.18 |
| Psychiatric Aide | $45,780 | $22.01 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in New Jersey
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-2012. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a occupational therapy aide make in New Jersey?
The median salary for occupational therapy aides in New Jersey is $44,470 a year, or $21.38 an hour. Pay ranges from $38,980 for the lowest-paid 10% to $46,270 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid occupational therapy aides make in New Jersey?
The top 10% of occupational therapy aides in New Jersey earn at least $46,270 a year. The top 25% earn $46,270 or more.
What is the starting pay for occupational therapy aides in New Jersey?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $38,980 a year, and a quarter of occupational therapy aides earn $41,750 or less.