Rochester vs Troy: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Rochester, NY and Troy, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Troy, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,252 | $90,376▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.50 | $43.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,713 | $64,156▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,958 | $73,331▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $102,174 | $105,646▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,170 | $119,113▲ |
| Total Employed | 740▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Troy, NY offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Rochester and Troy is $6,124 (7.27%). Troy's median is -12.60% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $53,457,Troy spans $54,957. Troy 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, Rochester ($86,826 effective) pays 11.35% more than Troy ($77,978 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (740 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,826)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Troy if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,376/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,113)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Rochester grew 8.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -21.9% growth in Troy over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$75,360 (2019) → $81,750 (2025)
Troy, NY
$112,332 (2024) → $87,693 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Rochester or Troy?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and Troy?
Should I relocate from Rochester to Troy as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Rochester vs Troy?
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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