Healthcare New York City, NY Pop. 8,336,817

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in New York City, New York

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in New York City, NY is $125,606 per year, which is 92.0% above the national median and 51.2% above the New York state average.

City Median
$125,606
vs State Avg
+$42,523
vs National
+$60,186
Cost of Living
187%

Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in New York City: What to Expect (2026)

New York City offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $125,606, which is $42,523 above the New York state average of $83,083. Compared to the national median of $65,420, New York City pays above average for this role.

However, New York City's cost of living index is 187%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $125,606 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $67,169. Housing, transportation, and food costs in New York City should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in New York City spans from $80,640 at the 10th percentile to $176,640 at the 90th percentile — a $96,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $84,480, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $168,960. As a major metro area with a population of 8,336,817, New York City typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in New York City by Experience

In New York City, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $84,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $168,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 187% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$84,480
+$40,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$126,720
+$60,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$168,960
+$80,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New York City, NY

Percentile New York City
10th Percentile $80,640
25th Percentile $99,840
Median (50th) $125,606
75th Percentile $153,600
90th Percentile $176,640

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other New York Cities

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in New York City

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. New York City 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 New York City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in New York City

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in New York City, NY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in New York City

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in New York City, NY? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in New York City, New York is $125,606 per year, which is 92.0% above the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $80,640 (10th percentile) to $176,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in New York City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $125,606, a occupational therapy assistant in New York City earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does New York City compare to the New York state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
New York City's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $125,606 is 51.2% above the New York state average of $83,083. The local cost of living index is 187% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in New York City, NY? ▼
New York City has a cost of living index of 187% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $125,606 in New York City has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapy assistant in New York City? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in New York City 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.