Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Oneonta, NY: $28.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Oneonta, NY runs $28.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,800 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Oneonta's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,875 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oneonta, NY, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $28.75, which reflects a significant disparity when compared to the national hourly median of $35.74. This wage is particularly relevant for those considering part-time positions, as many occupational therapy assistants work in settings like skilled nursing facilities or outpatient clinics, often on three-day work schedules. Within this framework, the hourly range stretches from approximately $22.64 for entry-level positions to about $33.89 for more experienced professionals. For per-diem workers, the ability to work flexible hours can offer a path to increased income, especially given the wide variety of environments in which occupational therapy assistants serve, from school districts to home health visits. As the estimates draw from annual salary data, understanding the implications of this hourly rate can help professionals make informed decisions about their employment choices.
About the Oneonta 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) | $22.64 | $181.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.81 | $206.44 |
| Median (P50) | $28.75 | $229.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.84 | $246.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.89 | $271.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oneonta
Based on $28.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.75/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oneonta, NY can expect to earn approximately $59,791 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,495. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oneonta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oneonta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,149.83 | $4,983 | $59,791 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $689.90 | $2,990 | $35,875 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $459.93 | $1,993 | $23,916 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Oneonta) | $28.75 |
| 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 Oneonta, NY earn a median of $59,800 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.55% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 6.70% below the New York state average of $64,095.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.75/hr = $35,875/year (purchasing power: $30,953).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,791/year (purchasing power: $51,588).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Oneonta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Oneonta grew 17.5% from $23.79/hr (2019) to $27.96/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.55/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 Oneonta 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 Oneonta
The dynamics of part-time employment for occupational therapy assistants in Oneonta can reveal substantial differences in annual earnings. A three-day workweek, translating to roughly 24 hours, would yield a take-home pay significantly lower than that of full-time COTAs, who generally work 40 hours a week. Additionally, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in the area typically hovers between $30 to $45 per hour, with variations based on employer types—such as skilled nursing facilities or hospital rehab units. Travel COTA positions can also be lucrative, offering weekly contracts ranging from $1,100 to $1,700, although the decline in agency COTA premium pay following the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut since 2022 has affected overall compensation. While some COTAs may accept lower hourly wages for the benefits that come with full-time employment, negotiable hourly rates serve as a pivotal consideration for workplace satisfaction. Those engaging in job discussions in Oneonta should be well-prepared with data to advocate effectively for their worth in this evolving field.
More salary data for Oneonta, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Oneonta in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Oneonta?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Oneonta paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Oneonta?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Oneonta?
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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 Oneonta. 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 Oneonta 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