Buffalo vs Poughkeepsie: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Buffalo, NY and Poughkeepsie, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Poughkeepsie, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,056 | $102,261▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.41 | $49.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,413 | $73,663▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,906 | $83,699▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,142 | $117,201▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,883 | $129,860▲ |
| Total Employed | 970▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Poughkeepsie, NY offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Poughkeepsie is $18,205 (21.66%). Poughkeepsie's median is -1.10% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $47,470,Poughkeepsie spans $56,197. Poughkeepsie has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Poughkeepsie ($88,232 effective) pays 0.61% more than Buffalo ($87,701 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Larger job market (970 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Poughkeepsie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,261/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,860)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,232)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Buffalo grew 12.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -9.5% growth in Poughkeepsie over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$72,350 (2019) → $81,560 (2025)
Poughkeepsie, NY
$109,588 (2024) → $99,225 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Poughkeepsie, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Buffalo or Poughkeepsie?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Poughkeepsie?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Poughkeepsie as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Buffalo vs Poughkeepsie?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov