Occupational Therapist Salary in Binghamton, NY: $89,034 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Binghamton, NY earns a median $89,034/year (≈ $42.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Binghamton's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.9), that paycheck buys what $95,877 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the New York state average.
Official BLS data · View source

In Binghamton, NY, the projected median salary for occupational therapists in 2026 is $89,034, which reflects a significant point of interest as the healthcare market navigates the aftermath of Medicare cuts impacting skilled nursing facilities and outpatient therapy compensation since 2022. The salary range for practitioners in the area extends from $64,763 at the 10th percentile to $118,828 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse landscape of pay depending on specific roles and settings. This data is derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys, which encompass the nuances of local wages and employment conditions. As Binghamton’s market evolves, occupational therapists may find opportunities for growth amid anticipated demand increases and ongoing adjustments in reimbursement policies.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,763 | $31.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,575 | $34.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,034 | $42.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106,409 | $51.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118,828 | $57.13 |
Median Salary Position
13.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Binghamton
In Binghamton, NY, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,065 (2026 est.). At $89,034, the local median is 13.89% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Binghamton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Binghamton Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Binghamton median: $89,034/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Binghamton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $103,400 | -13.89% less |
Occupational Therapists in Binghamton, NY earn a median of $89,034 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.89% lower than the national median of $103,400.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Binghamton has a cost of living 7.14% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Binghamton, NY has a cost-of-living index of 92.863 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $89,034 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $95,877 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,190
2025 BLS Actual
$86,390
2026 Current Est.
$89,034
2019–2027 Growth
+9.0%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Binghamton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,190 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,292 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,500 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,490 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,580 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,390 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,390 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,034 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,758 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Binghamton metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 2.6% from $84,190 (2019) to $86,390 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,758 by 2027 — a total increase of $7,568 (8.99%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Binghamton 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) | $64,763 – $71,575 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,575 – $89,034 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,034 – $106,409 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $106,409 – $118,828 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Binghamton
The job market in Binghamton currently employs about 180 occupational therapists, presenting a modest but stable workforce to support the regional healthcare needs. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 92.863, these salaries enable therapists to maintain reasonable purchasing power compared to national averages. In terms of employment settings, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation tend to offer the highest compensation. Conversely, those working in schools or home health agencies generally earn less. The variation in pay can be attributed to factors such as productivity expectations, specialty certifications like Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) premiums, and differing contract types, particularly the distinction between school-year and year-round positions. To maximize their earnings potential in Binghamton, occupational therapists should focus on obtaining relevant board certifications, pursuing roles in higher-paying environments, and keeping abreast of job market trends that may impact their compensation.
More salary data for Binghamton, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Binghamton, NY in 2026?
Is Binghamton, NY a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Binghamton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Binghamton?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Binghamton?
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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 $86,390 for occupational therapistsin the Binghamton 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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