Occupational Therapist Salary in White Plains, NY: $86,659 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in White Plains, NY earns a median $86,659/year (≈ $41.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in White Plains's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $74,770 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapist salary in White Plains, NY is projected to be $86,659, significantly lower than the national median of $103,400. Local salaries range from $63,370 at the lower end to $113,145 for top earners. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors. The relatively high entry barriers in the profession, such as the need for an entry-level master's or doctoral degree and the possibility of a specialty premium for certified hand therapists (CHT), reflect trends in the healthcare job market. The dynamic in White Plains suggests a competitive environment for occupational therapists, offering local opportunities in various settings, which can affect overall salary potential and job satisfaction.
About the White Plains Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,370 | $30.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,704 | $34.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,659 | $41.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,823 | $49.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,145 | $54.40 |
Median Salary Position
16.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in White Plains
In White Plains, NY, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,775 (2026 est.). At $86,659, the local median is 16.19% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in White Plains: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How White Plains Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
White Plains median: $86,659/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | White Plains Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $89,064 | -2.70% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -16.19% less |
Occupational Therapists in White Plains, NY earn a median of $86,659 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.19% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.70% below the New York state average of $89,064.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
White Plains has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
White Plains, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,659 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,770 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,196
2025 BLS Actual
$84,086
2026 Current Est.
$86,659
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in White Plains (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,196 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,311 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,716 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,094 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,767 | Actual |
| 2024 | $108,296 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,086 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,659 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,311 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the White Plains metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $71,196 (2019) to $84,086 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,311 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,115 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the White Plains 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) | $63,370 – $71,704 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,704 – $86,659 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,659 – $102,823 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,823 – $113,145 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in White Plains
With only 11 occupational therapists currently employed in White Plains, the local job market remains small but specialized. The cost-of-living index of 115.9 indicates that expenses are higher than the national average, impacting the real purchasing power of salaries for practitioners. Notably, positions within skilled nursing facilities or hospital rehabilitation programs tend to offer the most competitive pay, contrasting with typical lower salaries found in schools and community mental health settings. Factors contributing to the spread in salaries also include the potential for additional earnings through CHT certifications, various productivity expectations, and differing contract options like school-year versus year-round positions. To maximize occupational therapist pay in White Plains, securing positions in higher-paying settings, pursuing specialty certifications, and advocating for fair salary negotiations based on market standards can be effective strategies.
More salary data for White Plains, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in White Plains, NY in 2026?
Is White Plains, NY a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in White Plains?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in White Plains?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in White Plains?
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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 $84,086 for occupational therapistsin the White Plains 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 White Plains 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