Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Kingston, NY: $28.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Kingston, NY runs $28.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,066 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Kingston's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,041 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kingston, NY, the projected occupational therapy assistant hourly pay for 2026 is $28.88, which is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This discrepancy means that COTAs in the region may find part-time opportunities, such as in skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics, provide a solid income—especially when working three days a week. With an hourly range stretching from $23.08 for entry-level positions to $34.28 for those at the top of their field, there is room for career advancement. Part-time and per-diem roles, which often appeal to those looking for flexible schedules, can offer different experiences and earning potential in varied settings like schools and home health visits. It is essential for prospective COTAs to evaluate how the local pay scales align with their financial goals and lifestyle preferences while entering this field.
About the Kingston Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.08 | $184.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.07 | $208.58 |
| Median (P50) | $28.88 | $231.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.13 | $249.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.28 | $274.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kingston
Based on $28.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.88/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kingston, NY can expect to earn approximately $60,069 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,655. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kingston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kingston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,155.17 | $5,006 | $60,069 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $693.10 | $3,003 | $36,041 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $462.07 | $2,002 | $24,028 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Kingston) | $28.88 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Kingston, NY earn a median of $60,066 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.19% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 6.30% below the New York state average of $64,104.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.88/hr = $36,041/year (purchasing power: $31,097).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,069/year (purchasing power: $51,828).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+18.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Kingston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Kingston grew 12.4% from $24.99/hr (2019) to $28.09/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.69/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingston 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Kingston
Looking deeper at earning potential, a part-time occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week in Kingston can expect to bring home approximately $36,000 annually, contrasting sharply with the annual pay of full-time colleagues. The flexibility of per-diem work, typically compensating between $30 and $45 per hour, may attract those seeking varied experiences or higher short-term pay, though the average rate remains lower than the national standard. Moreover, the landscape in Kingston shows that hourly rates can differ widely across employer types, such as skilled nursing facilities versus outpatient clinics. While some COTAs might accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may prioritize higher wages in positions without such perks. When negotiating terms, it's beneficial for occupational therapy assistants to demonstrate their qualifications and consider the overall compensation package, not just the hourly rate, to find a balance that meets their financial needs while working effectively within the regulatory environment shaped by AOTA and Medicare guidelines.
More salary data for Kingston, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Kingston in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Kingston?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Kingston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Kingston?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Kingston?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Kingston. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kingston 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