Healthcare Rochester, NY Pop. 211,328

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Rochester, New York

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Rochester, NY is $62,149 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 25.2% below the New York state average.

City Median
$62,149
vs State Avg
$-20,934
vs National
$-3,271
Cost of Living
90%

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

Rochester offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $62,149, which is $20,934 below the New York state average of $83,083. Compared to the national median of $65,420, 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 therapy assistants in Rochester spans from $39,900 at the 10th percentile to $87,400 at the 90th percentile — a $47,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,800, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. With a population of 211,328, Rochester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Rochester by Experience

In Rochester, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $41,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,800
$-2,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,700
$-3,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
$-4,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rochester, NY

Percentile Rochester
10th Percentile $39,900
25th Percentile $49,400
Median (50th) $62,149
75th Percentile $76,000
90th Percentile $87,400

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other New York Cities

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Rochester

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Rochester

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in Rochester, NY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Rochester

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Rochester, NY? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Rochester, New York is $62,149 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $39,900 (10th percentile) to $87,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Rochester? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,149, a occupational therapy assistant in Rochester earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rochester compare to the New York state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Rochester's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $62,149 is 25.2% below the New York state average of $83,083. 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 therapy assistant salary of $62,149 in Rochester 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 Rochester? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Rochester 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.