Occupational Therapist Salary in Rochester, NY: $88,521 (2026)

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

Rochester offers a median occupational therapist salary of $88,521, which is $29,818 below the New York state average of $118,339. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Rochester pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rochester's cost of living is 90% 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 Rochester spans from $58,900 at the 10th percentile to $121,135 at the 90th percentile — a $62,235 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,800, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $114,000. With a population of 211,328, Rochester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Rochester by Experience

In Rochester, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $60,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $114,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$60,800

$-3,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$88,350

$-4,650 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$114,000

$-6,000 vs national

Percentile	Rochester	NY State	National
10th Percentile	$58,900	$78,740	$62,000
25th Percentile	$73,340	$98,044	$77,200
Median (50th)	$88,521	$118,339	$93,180
75th Percentile	$104,310	$139,446	$109,800
90th Percentile	$121,135	$161,938	$127,510

Percentile

Rochester

10th Percentile

$58,900

25th Percentile

$73,340

Median (50th)

$88,521

75th Percentile

$104,310

90th Percentile

$121,135

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Rochester

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Rochester 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 Rochester may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Rochester

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Rochester, NY? ▼

The median occupational therapist salary in Rochester, New York is $88,521 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $58,900 (10th percentile) to $121,135 (90th percentile).

How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Rochester? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $88,521, a occupational therapist in Rochester earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Rochester compare to the New York state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼

Rochester's median occupational therapist salary of $88,521 is 25.2% below the New York state average of $118,339. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Rochester, NY? ▼

Rochester has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $88,521 in Rochester has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Rochester? ▼

Most occupational therapist positions in Rochester 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.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Rochester, New York