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Average Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY

Occupational Therapy Assistants in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, earn an average annual salary of $53,370. This figure is notably below the national average of $69,310, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially regional economic factors influence compensation for this role in the area. The specific economic landscape of Buffalo-Cheektowaga shapes the earning potential for these vital healthcare professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $53,370 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $71,900.
  • Outlook: The Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, job market for Occupational Therapy Assistants shows a concentration significantly above the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.69. This suggests a robust demand and a higher prevalence of these roles compared to the rest of the country, despite the lower average salary. With 280 professionals in the local workforce, the market appears stable and offers a notable presence for OTAs.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$53,370

The average Occupational Therapy Assistants in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY earns-23.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$25.7

Weekly

$1,026

Monthly

$4,448

Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Distribution in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY

Salary progression for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions will likely command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this career advancement, with senior OTAs achieving higher earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$34,290$16.5
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$40,028$19.2
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$49,340$23.7
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$66,713$32.1
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$71,900$34.6

Detailed Occupational Therapy Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$53,370

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$53,370

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $53,370 for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power effectively within the local economic environment, suggesting that the take-home pay is neither significantly enhanced nor diminished by the cost of living in the area.

Job Market Context

280

Total Jobs

0.526

Per 1K Jobs

1.69

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY has 1.7x the national concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, exhibits a strong concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.69. This indicates that the region employs a disproportionately higher number of OTAs relative to the national average. Such a high quotient suggests a potentially competitive market for new entrants but also signifies a well-established and robust demand for these services within the local healthcare ecosystem.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapy Assistants

CitySalaryDist.
Rochester, NY Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary$60,230↑ 13%65 mi
Erie, PA Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary$53,250↓ 0%83 mi

Comparing salaries near Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY

Hiring Occupational Therapy Assistantss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistants make in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?

The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapy Assistants in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY is $53,370. This typically ranges from $34,290 for entry-level positions to $71,900 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY is 23.0% lower than the national median of $69,310.

Is Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY a lucrative place for Occupational Therapy Assistants?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $53,370 is significantly lower than the national average of $69,310, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific location.

Is Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY a good place to live for Occupational Therapy Assistants?

The Cost of Living Index in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?

Some top paying nearby cities include Rochester, NY ($60,230) and Erie, PA.

How does the number of OTAs in Buffalo compare nationally?

Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY has a total local workforce of 280 Occupational Therapy Assistants, with a concentration (Location Quotient) of 1.69, meaning the area has significantly more OTAs per worker than the national average.

What is the cost of living in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY for OTAs?

The cost of living in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100, meaning expenses for goods and services are comparable to the typical US city.

Are there many OTA job opportunities in Buffalo?

The Location Quotient of 1.69 suggests a higher prevalence and potentially strong demand for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, relative to the national landscape.

How does experience affect OTA salaries in Buffalo?

As with most professions, experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level OTAs earning less and senior professionals commanding higher salaries, reflecting a typical career progression.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY area with a job density of 0.526 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Occupational Therapy Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY