Buffalo vs White Plains: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Buffalo, NY and White Plains, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | White Plains, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,577 | $62,373▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.28 | $29.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,098 | $45,462▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,683 | $53,552▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,742 | $69,767▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $69,664 | $76,859▲ |
| Total Employed | 200▲ | 11 |
Verdict
White Plains, NY offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Buffalo and White Plains is $9,796 (18.63%). White Plains's median is -16.09% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $26,566,White Plains spans $31,397. White Plains has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($54,857 effective) pays 1.93% more than White Plains ($53,816 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,857)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose White Plains if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,373/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,859)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Buffalo grew 11.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -23.2% growth in White Plains over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$45,940 (2019) → $51,140 (2025)
White Plains, NY
$78,966 (2024) → $60,668 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
White Plains, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Buffalo or White Plains?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and White Plains?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to White Plains as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Buffalo vs White Plains?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov