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Occupational Therapist Salary in Buffalo, NY

How much does a occupational therapist make in Buffalo? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Buffalo's cost of living.

Median Salary
$77,550
per year in Buffalo
Entry Level
$51,700
Starting salary
Senior Level
$105,123
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
102
2% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how occupational therapist salaries break down across different pay periods in Buffalo.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$51,700$77,550$105,123
Monthly$4,308$6,463$8,760
Biweekly$1,988$2,983$4,043
Weekly$994$1,491$2,022
Hourly$25$37$51

Buffalo vs National Average

How Buffalo's occupational therapist salaries compare to national figures.

Buffalo Salary
$77,550
COL Index: 102
National Average
$87,950
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$10,400
Lower in Buffalo

Cost of Living in Buffalo

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,400
per month
Median Income
$48,234
per year
Population
252,399
residents
Rent % of Income
34.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 102 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Buffalo have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Occupational Therapist

Overview

Help patients develop and maintain skills for daily living and work.

Education

Master's degree in Occupational Therapy; licensure required

Key Skills

Therapeutic TechniquesPatient AssessmentTreatment PlanningRehabilitation

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Occupational Therapist Salary

See Occupational Therapist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$102,750
+32%
Los Angeles, CA
$115,380
+49%
Chicago, IL
$100,940
+30%
Houston, TX
$101,050
+30%
Phoenix, AZ
$103,090
+33%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Occupational Therapist Salary in Buffalo, NY — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a occupational therapist in Buffalo, NY is $77,550 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 102. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Buffalo's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level occupational therapist professionals in Buffalo can expect to earn around $51,700 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level occupational therapists earning approximately $105,123 per year. This represents a 103% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Buffalo's cost of living index of 102 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Buffalo are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $87,950, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a occupational therapist's salary in Buffalo typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,400 per month, housing represents about 21.7% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Occupational Therapists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Buffalo, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.