Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Plattsburgh, NY: $59,184 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Plattsburgh, NY earns a median $59,184/year (≈ $28.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Plattsburgh's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $51,065 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, an occupational therapy assistant in Plattsburgh, New York, can expect a median annual salary of $59,184, reflecting a competitive landscape compared to the national median of $74,332. The projected salary range for this position varies significantly, with the lower 10% earning approximately $45,827 and the upper 90% making around $68,625. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost disparities. The pathway from Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) can enhance long-term earning potential, especially in a market where job opportunities for OTAs are expected to grow at an annual rate of 2.81%. This growth highlights the importance of leveraging educational advancements and skill development to maximize earning potential in Plattsburgh.
About the Plattsburgh Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,827 | $22.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,363 | $25.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,184 | $28.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,051 | $30.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,625 | $32.99 |
Median Salary Position
20.38% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plattsburgh
In Plattsburgh, NY, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,798 (2026 est.). At $59,184, the local median is 20.38% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Plattsburgh: You'd be above the median
How Plattsburgh Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Plattsburgh median: $59,184/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Plattsburgh Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $64,052 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -20.38% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Plattsburgh, NY earn a median of $59,184 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.38% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.60% below the New York state average of $64,052.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Plattsburgh has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Plattsburgh, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,184 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $51,065 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,975
2025 BLS Actual
$57,566
2026 Current Est.
$59,184
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Plattsburgh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,975 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,113 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,150 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,157 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,354 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,929 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,566 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,184 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,847 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Plattsburgh metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $48,975 (2019) to $57,566 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,847 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,872 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plattsburgh 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 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $45,827 – $52,363 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,363 – $59,184 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,184 – $64,051 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,051 – $68,625 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Plattsburgh
The local job market currently employs four occupational therapy assistants, which indicates a small but focused segment within the healthcare field. With a cost of living index of 115.9, Plattsburgh presents a unique challenge to overall purchasing power, making it crucial for OTAs to find competitive positions. Among various employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation programs tend to offer the highest pay rates, especially with the added complexity of managing productivity expectations and the associated reimbursement changes following the 15% Medicare cut for OTA services. To navigate this market effectively, occupational therapy assistants should consider seeking out contracts that offer year-round employment or higher pay for weekend and PRN shifts, as these strategies can significantly impact their overall compensation in an environment where salaries do not always match national averages.
More salary data for Plattsburgh, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $57,566 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Plattsburgh metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plattsburgh is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
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