Average Occupational Therapists Salary in Syracuse, NY
Occupational Therapists in Syracuse, NY, earn an average annual salary of $85,370. This figure is notably below the national average of $99,240, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation levels within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $85,370 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $108,960.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 460 Occupational Therapists, Syracuse presents a concentrated market. The Location Quotient of 1.58 indicates a higher-than-average concentration of these professionals compared to the national landscape, suggesting a robust and established presence of OTs within the city's healthcare ecosystem.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapists in Syracuse, NY earns-14.0%below the national average.
$41
$1,642
$7,114
Occupational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Occupational Therapists in Syracuse have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, an aging population, and advancements in therapeutic practices likely contribute to upward pressure on wages.
Occupational Therapists Salary Distribution in Syracuse, NY
Salary progression for Occupational Therapists in Syracuse typically scales with experience. Entry-level practitioners may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the career advancement and earning potential available within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $59,400 | $28.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $64,028 | $30.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $81,930 | $39.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $106,713 | $51.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $108,960 | $52.4 |
Detailed Occupational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$85,370
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$85,370
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $85,370 in Syracuse aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power directly against the national average, offering a stable financial standing for Occupational Therapists relocating to or residing in the area.
Job Market Context
460
Total Jobs
1.561
Per 1K Jobs
1.58
Location Quotient
Syracuse, NY has 1.6x the national concentration of Occupational Therapists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.58 for Occupational Therapists in Syracuse signifies a significant concentration of these professionals, well above the national average. This suggests a competitive job market where demand may be strong, but the abundance of local talent could influence salary negotiations and hiring dynamics.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ithaca, NY Occupational Therapists Salary | $82,380↓ 4% | 45 mi |
| Utica-Rome, NY Occupational Therapists Salary | $80,910↓ 5% | 46 mi |
| Watertown-Fort Drum, NY Occupational Therapists Salary | $88,090↑ 3% | 66 mi |
| Binghamton, NY Occupational Therapists Salary | $85,120↓ 0% | 66 mi |
| Elmira, NY Occupational Therapists Salary | $85,440↑ 0% | 74 mi |
Comparing salaries near Syracuse, NY
Hiring Occupational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapists make in Syracuse, NY?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapists in Syracuse, NY is $85,370. This typically ranges from $59,400 for entry-level positions to $108,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Syracuse, NY is 14.0% lower than the national median of $99,240.
Is Syracuse, NY a lucrative place for Occupational Therapists?
Yes, but with caveats.While the average salary of $85,370 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning your earnings have standard purchasing power. The high concentration of OTs (LQ 1.58) indicates a strong local market.
Is Syracuse, NY a good place to live for Occupational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Syracuse, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Syracuse, NY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ithaca, NY ($82,380) and Utica-Rome, NY.
How does Syracuse's OT salary compare to the national average?
Occupational Therapists in Syracuse earn an average of $85,370 annually, which is approximately $13,870 less than the national average of $99,240.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient in Syracuse for OTs?
A Location Quotient of 1.58 means there are 58% more Occupational Therapists per worker in Syracuse than the national average, indicating a concentrated and potentially competitive job market.
Does the cost of living in Syracuse affect the OT salary?
No, the cost of living in Syracuse is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $85,370 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What is the total number of Occupational Therapists in Syracuse?
There are approximately 460 Occupational Therapists employed in the Syracuse area, making up 1.561 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 460 employees in the Syracuse, NY area with a job density of 1.561 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Occupational Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Syracuse, NY