Occupational Therapist Salary in Jamestown, NY: $86,553 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Jamestown, NY earns a median $86,553/year (≈ $41.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Jamestown's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $74,679 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jamestown, New York, reaching the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential can significantly enhance your earning potential, as evidenced by the projected median annual salary of $86,553 for occupational therapists in 2026. Salary estimates indicate a range from $60,737 at the 10th percentile to $107,427 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a competitive local compensation landscape. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for regional price parities, indicating specific financial dynamics in the Jamestown area. As skilled professionals navigate various employment settings, opportunities for higher pay exist, particularly for those who specialize or gain additional certifications, making Jamestown an intriguing market for aspiring occupational therapists.
About the Jamestown Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,737 | $29.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,723 | $35.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,553 | $41.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,880 | $47.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,427 | $51.64 |
Median Salary Position
16.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jamestown
In Jamestown, NY, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,690 (2026 est.). At $86,553, the local median is 16.29% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Jamestown: You'd be above the median
How Jamestown Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Jamestown median: $86,553/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jamestown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $89,046 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -16.29% less |
Occupational Therapists in Jamestown, NY earn a median of $86,553 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.29% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.80% below the New York state average of $89,046.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jamestown has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Jamestown, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,553 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,679 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,109
2025 BLS Actual
$83,983
2026 Current Est.
$86,553
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Jamestown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,109 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,222 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,628 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,998 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,668 | Actual |
| 2024 | $108,164 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,983 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,553 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,201 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jamestown metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $71,109 (2019) to $83,983 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,201 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,092 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jamestown 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) | $60,737 – $74,723 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,723 – $86,553 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,553 – $97,880 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,880 – $107,427 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Jamestown
Despite the relatively modest number of five occupational therapists employed locally, the job market in Jamestown carries unique considerations for compensation and financial viability. The cost of living index sits at 115.9, suggesting that purchasing power may be somewhat limited compared to national averages. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation units generally offer higher salaries, while outpatient clinics and school districts may have more constrained budgets, impacting overall occupational therapist pay in Jamestown, NY. Factors affecting the wide salary spectrum include the nature of work settings, with hospitals typically paying more than schools and skilled nursing facilities, along with differences in contract structures and demands for productivity. To maximize earnings in this specific market, occupational therapists should consider pursuing board certifications like the CHT and seek out opportunities in higher-paying environments, while also being strategic about contract negotiations that account for the local cost of living.
More salary data for Jamestown, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Jamestown, NY in 2026?
Is Jamestown, NY a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Jamestown?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Jamestown?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Jamestown?
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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 $83,983 for occupational therapistsin the Jamestown 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 Jamestown 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