Occupational Therapist Salary in Buffalo
2026 compensation data for Occupational Therapist positions in Buffalo, NY. Ranges from $52,000 (entry-level) to $117,000 (senior). Median: $78,000.
Median (Mid)
$78,000
$37.5/hr
vs National
-6%
US: $83,000
COL Index
90
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$117,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $52,000 | $60,000 | $68,000 | $28.85/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $68,000 | $78,000 | $90,000 | $37.5/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $86,000 | $99,000 | $117,000 | $47.6/hr |
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A mid-level occupational therapist earning $78,000 in Buffalo has the same buying power as $87,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 90).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Occupational Therapist Salaries in Buffalo
Help patients develop, recover, or maintain daily living and work skills through therapeutic activities and adaptive strategies. This page covers occupational therapist compensation specifically in Buffalo, NY.
The median occupational therapist salary in Buffalo, NY is $78,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 6% below the national median. With a cost of living index of 90 (national average = 100), Buffalo offers an affordable cost of living, making these salaries stretch further.
Entry-level occupational therapists in Buffalo can expect to earn between $52,000 and $68,000 (about $28.85/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $117,000 ($117K annually, or about $56.25/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like Buffalo.
Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Buffalo
What is the average Occupational Therapist salary in Buffalo?+
The average Occupational Therapist salary in Buffalo is $78,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $60,000 and senior-level pay reaches $99,000.
How much does an entry-level occupational therapist make in Buffalo?+
Entry-level occupational therapists in Buffalo earn between $52,000 and $68,000, with a median of $60,000 per year (about $28.85/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Occupational Therapist in Buffalo?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Occupational Therapist in Buffalo earns roughly $28.85/hour at entry-level, $37.5/hour at mid-level, and $47.6/hour at senior-level.
Is the Occupational Therapist salary in Buffalo higher than the US average?+
Occupational Therapist salaries in Buffalo are about 6% below the US national median. The lower cost of living often makes take-home buying power competitive.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
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