Occupational Therapist Salary in Oneonta, NY: $83,086 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Oneonta, NY earns a median $83,086/year (≈ $39.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Oneonta's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $71,688 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.7% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Oneonta, NY, are expected to earn a median annual salary of $83,086 in 2026, marking a significant addition to their compensation package, especially for those who have obtained the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, which typically commands a premium in the field. With salaries ranging from $65,630 at the 10th percentile to $103,671 at the 90th percentile, these figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors. The competitive salary structure is indicative of the evolving demand for skilled professionals in this specialty, emphasizing the importance of advanced certifications in enhancing earning potential within the Oneonta market.
About the Oneonta Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,630 | $31.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,895 | $34.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,086 | $39.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,621 | $45.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103,671 | $49.84 |
Median Salary Position
19.65% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oneonta
In Oneonta, NY, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,041 (2026 est.). At $83,086, the local median is 19.65% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oneonta: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oneonta Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Oneonta median: $83,086/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oneonta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $89,052 | -6.70% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -19.65% less |
Occupational Therapists in Oneonta, NY earn a median of $83,086 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.65% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 6.70% below the New York state average of $89,052.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oneonta has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Oneonta, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $83,086 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,688 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$68,261
2025 BLS Actual
$80,619
2026 Current Est.
$83,086
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Oneonta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,261 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,329 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,759 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,874 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,437 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,831 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,619 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,086 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,628 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oneonta metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $68,261 (2019) to $80,619 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,628 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,367 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oneonta 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) | $65,630 – $71,895 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,895 – $83,086 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,086 – $94,621 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,621 – $103,671 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Oneonta
The local job market currently employs only five occupational therapists, highlighting a relatively niche field in Oneonta. This limited number can influence job security but also creates opportunities for competitive compensation. However, with a cost-of-living index of 115.9, expenses are higher than the national average, potentially impacting take-home pay. Employers that pay the most in this region tend to be skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers; they often offer better salaries than outpatient therapy clinics or school districts. The disparity between lower and higher pay rates can be attributed to various factors, including work settings, productivity expectations, and the specific demands of clientele. To maximize occupational therapist pay in Oneonta, it is advisable to pursue additional certifications like CHT, consider positions in higher-paying facilities, and advocate for relevant stipends based on specialized skills.
More salary data for Oneonta, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Oneonta, NY in 2026?
Is Oneonta, NY a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Oneonta?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Oneonta?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Oneonta?
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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 $80,619 for occupational therapistsin the Oneonta 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 Oneonta 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