Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Buffalo, NY: $63,457 (2026)

Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Buffalo: What to Expect (2026)

Buffalo offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $63,457, which is $19,626 below the New York state average of $83,083. Compared to the national median of $65,420, 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 therapy assistants in Buffalo spans from $40,740 at the 10th percentile to $89,240 at the 90th percentile — a $48,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,680, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,360. With a population of 278,349, Buffalo is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Buffalo by Experience

In Buffalo, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $42,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$42,680

$-1,320 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$64,020

$-1,980 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$85,360

$-2,640 vs national

Percentile	Buffalo	NY State	National
10th Percentile	$40,740	$53,340	$42,000
25th Percentile	$50,440	$66,040	$52,000
Median (50th)	$63,457	$83,083	$65,420
75th Percentile	$77,600	$101,600	$80,000
90th Percentile	$89,240	$116,840	$92,000

Percentile

Buffalo

10th Percentile

$40,740

25th Percentile

$50,440

Median (50th)

$63,457

75th Percentile

$77,600

90th Percentile

$89,240

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Buffalo

Education

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

Key Skills

Therapeutic ExercisesPatient CareDocumentationCommunicationAdaptabilityCompassion

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Buffalo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Buffalo

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Buffalo, NY? ▼

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Buffalo, New York is $63,457 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $40,740 (10th percentile) to $89,240 (90th percentile).

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Buffalo? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $63,457, a occupational therapy assistant in Buffalo earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Buffalo compare to the New York state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼

Buffalo's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $63,457 is 23.6% below the New York state average of $83,083. 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 therapy assistant salary of $63,457 in Buffalo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapy assistant in Buffalo? ▼

Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Buffalo require a associate's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Exercises, Patient Care, Documentation, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 25% nationally over the next decade.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Buffalo, New York