Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Lackawanna, NY: $28.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Lackawanna, NY runs $28.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,974 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Lackawanna's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,990 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected hourly rate for an occupational therapy assistant in Lackawanna, NY, is $28.84, which is significantly lower than the national median of $35.74. This disparity means that those working in part-time roles, such as three days a week, can expect earnings that may limit their financial flexibility, given that they operate in settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. The range for hourly pay can vary widely, from $22.97 for entry-level positions to $34.14 for top earners, reflecting the diverse experience levels and types of care provided. It is important to consider that these estimates are derived from annual salary projections, highlighting how daily and per-diem opportunities can present different earning possibilities within the field.
About the Lackawanna 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) | $22.97 | $183.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.98 | $207.84 |
| Median (P50) | $28.84 | $230.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.04 | $248.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.14 | $273.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lackawanna
Based on $28.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.84/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lackawanna, NY can expect to earn approximately $59,983 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,606. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lackawanna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lackawanna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,153.53 | $4,999 | $59,983 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $692.12 | $2,999 | $35,990 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $461.41 | $1,999 | $23,993 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Lackawanna) | $28.84 |
| 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 Lackawanna, NY earn a median of $59,974 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.32% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 6.40% below the New York state average of $64,075.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.84/hr = $35,990/year (purchasing power: $31,053).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,983/year (purchasing power: $51,755).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lackawanna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lackawanna grew 17.5% from $23.86/hr (2019) to $28.05/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.65/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 Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna
Looking at part-time potential, a COTA working 24 hours a week could take home around $36,000 annually, significantly less than a full-time colleague. The per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Lackawanna typically ranges from $30 to $45, depending on demand and specific contracts, with some travel contracts paying between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. However, many assistants in skilled nursing facilities have experienced declines in agency pay following the 15% Medicare cut that took effect in 2022. Hourly wages can also fluctuate based on employer type, with disparities noted in compensation across schools, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies. Some occupational therapy assistants may choose lower hourly rates for roles providing benefits such as health insurance over higher pay without those perks. For those negotiating hourly rates in Lackawanna, emphasizing specialized skills or additional certifications can enhance the chances of securing better compensation rates.
More salary data for Lackawanna, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lackawanna in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Lackawanna?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Lackawanna paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Lackawanna?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lackawanna?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New York
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 Lackawanna. 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 Lackawanna 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