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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Occupational Therapists salary in Buffalo, New York

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Buffalo metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$77,550
Mean annual$80,130
Range (10th to 90th)$56,480 to $103,640
Buffalo, New York employment920
State vs national-21.1% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Buffalo occupational therapists fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$56,48025TH$63,520MEDIAN$77,55075TH$94,27090TH$103,640

The middle 50% of workers earn between $63,520 and $94,270, with a median of $77,550.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Master's degree

  • Experience

    Internship/residency

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Therapy and Counseling

    Knowledge

    4.7 / 5
  • Psychology

    Knowledge

    4.5 / 5
  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    4.3 / 5
  • Medicine and Dentistry

    Knowledge

    4.2 / 5
  • Service Orientation

    Technical

    4.1 / 5
  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    4.1 / 5
  • Monitoring

    Cross-functional

    4.1 / 5
  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.1 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Test and evaluate patients' physical and mental abilities and analyze medical data to determine realistic rehabilitation goals for patients.

  2. 02

    Complete and maintain necessary records.

  3. 03

    Plan, organize, and conduct occupational therapy programs in hospital, institutional, or community settings to help rehabilitate persons with disabilities because of illness, injury or psychological or developmental problems.

  4. 04

    Plan and implement programs and social activities to help patients learn work or school skills and adjust to handicaps.

  5. 05

    Evaluate patients' progress and prepare reports that detail progress.

  6. 06

    Train caregivers in providing for the needs of a patient during and after therapy.

  7. 07

    Select activities that will help individuals learn work and life-management skills within limits of their mental or physical capabilities.

  8. 08

    Lay out materials such as puzzles, scissors and eating utensils for use in therapy, and clean and repair these tools after therapy sessions.

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Other metros in New York

How the Buffalo metro compares to other major New York metro areas for occupational therapists.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Occupational Therapists in Buffalo, New York?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Occupational Therapists in the Buffalo metropolitan area is $77,550.
Does Buffalo pay more than the New York state average for Occupational Therapists?
The Buffalo metro median is -18.7% versus the New York state median of $95,370.
How does Buffalo compare to the national median for Occupational Therapists?
The Buffalo metro median is -21.1% versus the BLS national figure of $98,308.
What is the salary range for Occupational Therapists in Buffalo?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $56,480 and the 90th-percentile at $103,640 for the Buffalo metro area.
What education is required for Occupational Therapists?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Master's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Buffalo CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.