Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Middletown, NY: $29.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Middletown, NY runs $29.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,938 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Middletown's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,158 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Middletown, NY, occupational therapy assistants earn a median hourly rate of $29.77, which falls significantly below the national median of $35.74. This disparity highlights the local economic factors at play. For part-time professionals working a 24-hour week, this rate translates to an annualized income of approximately $46,500, making it a viable option for those seeking work-life balance. Per-diem workers in the region also have flexible earning opportunities, often billing between $30 and $45 per hour in various settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health environments. With entry-level positions starting around $23.03 and experienced practitioners reaching up to $36.44, the hourly rate landscape allows for diverse earnings that cater to different career paths within occupational therapy.
About the Middletown 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) | $23.03 | $184.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.77 | $206.20 |
| Median (P50) | $29.77 | $238.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.58 | $260.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.44 | $291.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Middletown
Based on $29.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.77/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Middletown, NY can expect to earn approximately $61,929 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,729. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Middletown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Middletown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,190.95 | $5,161 | $61,929 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $714.57 | $3,096 | $37,158 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $476.38 | $2,064 | $24,772 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Middletown) | $29.77 |
| 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 Middletown, NY earn a median of $61,938 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.67% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.30% below the New York state average of $64,052.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.77/hr = $37,158/year (purchasing power: $32,060).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,929/year (purchasing power: $53,434).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Middletown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Middletown grew 17.5% from $24.64/hr (2019) to $28.96/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.61/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 Middletown 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 Middletown
Looking beyond the basic pay scale, the economic landscape for occupational therapy assistants in Middletown reveals varied earning potential based on work arrangements and employer types. For those choosing part-time work, the yearly take-home income contrasts sharply with full-time counterparts who might experience stability and higher earnings. Per-diem or agency roles introduce a different rhythm; for instance, travel contracts can afford COTAs up to $1,700 a week, yet navigating these opportunities requires awareness of the fluctuating demand, especially following the 15% Medicare cut to OTA services in 2022. Occupational therapy assistants working in skilled nursing facilities may face a decline in premium wages, while school district contracts and outpatient clinics often offer more consistent schedules with varying hourly rates. Furthermore, many choose lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, which is an important factor to consider when negotiating pay. When discussing compensation, it's wise for COTAs in Middletown to clearly outline their credentials and skills while remaining flexible to explore options that enhance their overall compensation package.
More salary data for Middletown, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Middletown in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Middletown?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Middletown paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Middletown?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Middletown?
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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 Middletown. 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 Middletown 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