Healthcare Buffalo, NY Pop. 278,349

Occupational Therapist Salary in Buffalo, New York

The median occupational therapist salary in Buffalo, NY is $90,385 per year, which is 3% below the national median and 23.6% below the New York state average.

City Median
$90,385
vs State Avg
$-27,954
vs National
$-2,795
Cost of Living
92%

Occupational Therapist Pay in Buffalo: What to Expect (2026)

Buffalo offers a median occupational therapist salary of $90,385, which is $27,954 below the New York state average of $118,339. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Buffalo pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Buffalo's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Buffalo spans from $60,140 at the 10th percentile to $123,685 at the 90th percentile — a $63,545 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $62,080, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $116,400. With a population of 278,349, Buffalo is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Buffalo by Experience

In Buffalo, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $62,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $116,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,080
$-1,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$90,210
$-2,790 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$116,400
$-3,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Buffalo, NY

Percentile Buffalo
10th Percentile $60,140
25th Percentile $74,884
Median (50th) $90,385
75th Percentile $106,506
90th Percentile $123,685

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other New York Cities

New York City, NY
$178,906
Pop. 8,336,817
Yonkers, NY
$130,452
Pop. 211,569
Albany, NY
$95,975
Pop. 99,224
Rochester, NY
$88,521
Pop. 211,328

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Buffalo

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Buffalo and the surrounding New York area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Buffalo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Buffalo

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Buffalo, NY:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Buffalo

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Buffalo, NY? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Buffalo, New York is $90,385 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $60,140 (10th percentile) to $123,685 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Buffalo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,385, a occupational therapist in Buffalo earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Buffalo compare to the New York state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Buffalo's median occupational therapist salary of $90,385 is 23.6% below the New York state average of $118,339. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Buffalo, NY? ▼
Buffalo has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $90,385 in Buffalo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Buffalo? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Buffalo require a master's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Activities, Patient Assessment, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.