Occupational Therapist Salary in Utica, NY: $88,549 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Utica, NY earns a median $88,549/year (≈ $42.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Utica's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.7), that paycheck buys what $95,545 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the New York state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Utica, NY, can expect a median annual salary of $88,549 in 2026, reflecting the area’s competitive pay landscape while ultimately remaining below the national average of $103,400. With salaries ranging from $64,392 at the 10th percentile to $109,048 at the 90th percentile, there is significant variation in how much occupational therapists are compensated in different settings. This data is drawn from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and it highlights the growing opportunities within this healthcare field as the demand for occupational therapy services increases. Particularly, certified hand therapists (CHTs) can command a higher premium, which is a significant factor for those entering this specialty to consider when aiming for increased earnings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,392 | $30.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,501 | $36.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,549 | $42.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,813 | $48.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,048 | $52.43 |
Median Salary Position
14.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Utica
In Utica, NY, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,656 (2026 est.). At $88,549, the local median is 14.36% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Utica: You'd be above the median
How Utica Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Utica median: $88,549/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Utica Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $88,994 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -14.36% less |
Occupational Therapists in Utica, NY earn a median of $88,549 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.36% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.50% below the New York state average of $88,994.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Utica has a cost of living 7.32% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Utica, NY has a cost-of-living index of 92.678 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $88,549 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $95,545 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.9% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$79,110
2025 BLS Actual
$85,920
2026 Current Est.
$88,549
2019–2027 Growth
+15.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Utica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,110 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,360 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,890 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,910 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,350 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,040 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,920 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,549 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,259 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Utica metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 8.6% from $79,110 (2019) to $85,920 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,259 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,149 (15.36%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Utica 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) | $64,392 – $76,501 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,501 – $88,549 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,549 – $100,813 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,813 – $109,048 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Utica
Given that approximately 240 occupational therapists are currently employed in Utica, there is a stable job market for professionals in this field. The local cost-of-living index is 92.678, suggesting that while salaries may seem lower than national averages, the purchasing power can remain favorable. Facilities such as hospitals and skilled nursing facilities generally provide the most competitive wages compared to outpatient clinics and school districts. Factors such as productivity requirements, certification pay differentials, and the seasonal nature of school contracts can influence the pay scale in this market. To maximize earnings, occupational therapists should consider pursuing additional certifications like CHT and seeking employment in higher-paying environments such as inpatient rehabilitation or specialized clinics, while also being mindful of the impacts of Medicare cuts on certain sectors like skilled nursing and outpatient therapy.
More salary data for Utica, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Utica, NY in 2026?
Is Utica, NY a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Utica?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Utica?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Utica?
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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 $85,920 for occupational therapistsin the Utica 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, 7-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