Senior Occupational Therapist Salary in Binghamton, NY: $118,828 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapists working in Binghamton, NY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $118,828/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1122. Strip back Binghamton's price premium (BEA RPP 92.9, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $127,961 in average-cost America. The 33% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Binghamton, the salary potential for senior occupational therapists is substantial, with top earners (P90) projected to make $118,828 annually in 2026. This figure showcases a marked distinction from the median annual salary of $89,034, illustrating a significant experience premium that can be achieved with skill and dedication in this field. When comparing the top-tier compensation in Binghamton against the national average of $103,400, it becomes clear that local professionals can command competitive salaries, particularly when advanced credentials and specialized skills are taken into account. To reach these upper echelons of income, occupational therapists must not only gain extensive experience but also pursue certifications and areas of specialization that are highly valued in the region.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Binghamton
Experienced occupational therapists at the top of the pay scale in Binghamton earn between $106,409 and $118,828 per year (2026 est.). This $54,065 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Binghamton median of $89,034 sits 13.89% below the US median.
Top OT, OTR Salary Comparison
| Level | Binghamton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $89,034 | $103,400 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,409 | $120,240 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $118,828 | $135,988 |
In Binghamton, experienced occupational therapists (P90) earn 33.46% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Occupational Therapist Pay in Binghamton
Advanced Certifications in New York
NY occupational therapists with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $89,034 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Binghamton employers.
Specialty Focus
Occupational Therapists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Binghamton command premium compensation, often reaching the $106,409–$118,828 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Binghamton metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced occupational therapists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured occupational therapists in Binghamton with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Occupational Therapists in New York who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Occupational Therapist Career & Wage Growth Path in Binghamton
Clinical Occupational Therapist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapist
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBinghamton ranks #13 of 39 New York cities for top earner occupational therapist salary (90th percentile: $118,828).
Top 10% occupational therapist compensation in Binghamton ($118,828) is 15.19% below the New York average P90 ($140,109).
2019 BLS Actual
$112,110
2025 BLS Actual
$115,300
2026 Current Est.
$118,828
2019–2027 Growth
+9.2%
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 | $112,110 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,191 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,990 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,300 | Actual |
| 2023 | $109,560 | Actual |
| 2024 | $104,930 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,300 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $118,828 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $122,464 | Projected |
Top-earning occupational therapists (90th percentile) in Binghamton saw their compensation grow 2.8% from $112,110 in 2019 to $115,300 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.06% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $122,464 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Occupational Therapist Earnings in Binghamton
Specializations are critical for driving senior occupational therapist pay in NY, particularly in Binghamton, where credentials such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) and Board Certified Pediatric Occupational Therapist (BCP) can command significant premium salaries. Different employer types, ranging from skilled nursing facilities to outpatient clinics or school districts, can also affect compensation; skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehab typically offer higher salaries compared to school settings. Additionally, leadership roles such as clinic owners or rehabilitation directors present viable pathways for advancement, providing increased pay and responsibilities. Advanced educational qualifications such as a Master’s (MOT) or a Doctorate (OTD) from ACOTE-accredited programs enhance job prospects and salary potential further. Furthermore, non-salary benefits like stipends for board certification or the option for year-round contracts are increasingly attractive, offering a fuller picture of compensation for seasoned professionals in Binghamton.
More salary data for Binghamton, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapists make in Binghamton in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapist pay in Binghamton?
What certifications boost occupational therapist salary in Binghamton?
Can experienced occupational therapists make six figures in Binghamton?
How much does occupational therapist salary increase over time 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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $115,300 for occupational therapists in the Binghamton metro area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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