Healthcare New York (NY) Rank #5 of 50

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in New York

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in New York is $83,083 per year, which is 27.0% above the national median of $65,420.

Median Salary
$83,083
vs National
+$17,663
State Rank
#5 of 50
Cost of Living
122%

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Overview in New York (2026)

New York ranks #5 out of 50 states for occupational therapy assistant compensation. This places New York in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for occupational therapy assistants seeking high pay. At $83,083 per year, occupational therapy assistants in New York earn $17,663 more than the national median of $65,420.

It's worth noting that New York's cost of living is 122% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $83,083 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $68,101.

The salary spread in New York is significant: occupational therapy assistants at the 10th percentile earn $53,340, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $116,840 — a $63,500 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New York for this role is New York City, where the median reaches $125,606.

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in New York and beyond.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in New York by Experience

In New York, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $55,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $111,760 per year. The cost of living index in New York is 122% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,880
+$11,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,820
+$17,820 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$111,760
+$23,760 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New York

Percentile NY Salary
10th Percentile $53,340
25th Percentile $66,040
Median (50th) $83,083
75th Percentile $101,600
90th Percentile $116,840

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary by City in New York

The largest employment areas for occupational therapy assistants in New York include New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, and Yonkers. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in New York

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. New York has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ExercisesPatient CareDocumentationCommunicationAdaptabilityCompassion

Job Outlook in New York

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). New York's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in New York

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in New York? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in New York is $83,083 per year, which is 27.0% above the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $53,340 (10th percentile) to $116,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in New York? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,083, a occupational therapy assistant in New York earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New York a good state for occupational therapy assistants? ▼
New York ranks #5 out of 50 states for occupational therapy assistant pay. The cost of living index is 122% of the national average. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn $55,880, while senior professionals earn $111,760.
How does New York compare to other states for occupational therapy assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for occupational therapy assistants is Hawaii at $116,448. New York's median of $83,083 ranks #5 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Massachusetts ($93,551) and Alaska ($84,392).
What is the entry-level occupational therapy assistant salary in New York? ▼
An entry-level occupational therapy assistant in New York earns approximately $55,880 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $83,820. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $111,760.
What city in New York pays occupational therapy assistants the most? ▼
New York City is the highest paying city in New York for occupational therapy assistants, with a median salary of $125,606. Other cities include Buffalo and Rochester.