Occupational Therapist Salary in Auburn, NY: $84,618 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Auburn, NY earns a median $84,618/year (≈ $40.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Auburn's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $73,009 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, Auburn, NY, projects a median annual salary of $84,618 for occupational therapists, a figure that highlights how local earnings can differ from national averages. The salary range for this profession in Auburn varies significantly, from $63,232 at the 10th percentile to $109,557 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price points, reveal opportunities for growth within the field. Those with the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation often command higher pay, reflecting the additional expertise and specialization that this credential represents. As the demand for qualified occupational therapists continues to rise, professionals in Auburn can expect competitive compensation in a market where diverse settings—such as skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics—offer varying pay scales.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,232 | $30.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,743 | $34.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,618 | $40.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,452 | $47.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,557 | $52.67 |
Median Salary Position
18.16% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Auburn
In Auburn, NY, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,325 (2026 est.). At $84,618, the local median is 18.16% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Auburn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Auburn Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Auburn median: $84,618/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Auburn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $89,072 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -18.16% less |
Occupational Therapists in Auburn, NY earn a median of $84,618 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.16% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 5.00% below the New York state average of $89,072.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Auburn has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Auburn, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $84,618 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,009 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,520
2025 BLS Actual
$82,106
2026 Current Est.
$84,618
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,520 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,608 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,027 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,255 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,865 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,746 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,106 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,618 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,208 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Auburn metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $69,520 (2019) to $82,106 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,208 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,688 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $63,232 – $70,743 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,743 – $84,618 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,618 – $98,452 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,452 – $109,557 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Auburn
Auburn's job market for occupational therapists is relatively limited, with only four professionals currently employed in the area. This limited workforce plays a role in shaping compensation levels, particularly as the cost of living index sits at 115.9, indicating that living expenses are above the national average. Employers that typically yield the highest salaries include skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers, where the combination of patient acuity and the requisite skill set often drives pay upwards. Variability in earnings can also stem from factors such as board certification stipends, productivity metrics, and differences in contract types, with school-year positions generally offering different compensation scales compared to year-round roles. For those looking to maximize their occupational therapist pay in Auburn, pursuing the CHT specialty and seeking employment in higher-paying healthcare settings can be strategic moves to enhance their earning potential amidst an evolving occupational therapy landscape.
More salary data for Auburn, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Auburn, NY in 2026?
Is Auburn, NY a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Auburn?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Auburn?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Auburn?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $82,106 for occupational therapistsin the Auburn metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Auburn is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov