Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Binghamton, NY: $74,314 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapy assistants working in Binghamton, NY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $74,314/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2011. Strip back Binghamton's price premium (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $64,119 in average-cost America. The 17% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants with considerable experience in Binghamton, NY, can aspire to earn a top occupational therapy assistant salary of $74,314 annually by 2026. This figure reflects a significant earning potential that highlights the experience premium, as it stands in contrast to the median salary of $63,400 for the same year. The gap between these figures illustrates what dedicated professionals can achieve through advanced skills and specializations. To reach this peak income, OTAs often enhance their credentials, seek leadership roles, or enter specialized areas of practice, which enable them to leverage their extensive experience in a market that values such expertise.
About the Binghamton Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Binghamton
Experienced occupational therapy assistants at the top of the pay scale in Binghamton earn between $67,392 and $74,314 per year (2026 est.). This $28,322 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Binghamton median of $63,400 sits 14.71% below the US median.
Top OTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Binghamton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $63,400 | $74,332 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,392 | $81,384 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $74,314 | $92,303 |
In Binghamton, experienced occupational therapy assistants (P90) earn 17.21% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Binghamton
Advanced Certifications in New York
NY occupational therapy assistants with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $63,400 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Binghamton employers.
Specialty Focus
Occupational Therapy Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Binghamton command premium compensation, often reaching the $67,392–$74,314 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Binghamton metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced occupational therapy assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured occupational therapy assistants in Binghamton with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Occupational Therapy Assistants in New York who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Binghamton
Clinical Occupational Therapy Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapy Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBinghamton ranks #23 of 39 New York cities for top earner occupational therapy assistant salary (90th percentile: $74,314).
Top 10% occupational therapy assistant compensation in Binghamton ($74,314) is 14.83% below the New York average P90 ($87,253).
2019 BLS Actual
$66,188
2025 BLS Actual
$72,283
2026 Current Est.
$74,314
2019–2027 Growth
+15.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Binghamton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,188 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,570 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,578 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,902 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,840 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,441 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,283 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,314 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,402 | Projected |
Top-earning occupational therapy assistants (90th percentile) in Binghamton saw their compensation grow 9.2% from $66,188 in 2019 to $72,283 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.81% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $76,402 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Binghamton 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.
Maximizing Your Occupational Therapy Assistant Earnings in Binghamton
Specializations in certain demographics such as pediatric and geriatric care, as well as expertise in mental health or hand therapy, are pivotal for securing senior occupational therapy assistant pay in NY. Compensation also varies widely by workplace setting; for example, skilled nursing facilities might offer different pay structures compared to outpatient clinics or school districts, impacted by factors such as the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut which has influenced OT service compensation. Career advancement opportunities abound for seasoned professionals, with roles like lead OTA or clinic operations coordinator becoming attainable for those dedicated to furthering their professional development. Obtaining advanced credentials, including the COTA designation and participation in bridge programs like the COTA-to-MOT pathway, also plays a significant role in salary enhancement and career growth. Additionally, non-salary benefits such as work setting, productivity expectations, and contract types can greatly affect total compensation and job satisfaction for those in this field.
More salary data for Binghamton, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapy assistants make in Binghamton in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapy assistant pay in Binghamton?
What certifications boost occupational therapy assistant salary in Binghamton?
Can experienced occupational therapy assistants make six figures in Binghamton?
How much does occupational therapy assistant salary increase over time in Binghamton?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $72,283 for occupational therapy assistants in the Binghamton metro area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Binghamton 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