Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Rome, NY: $31.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Rome, NY runs $31.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,023 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Rome's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,608 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Rome, NY, is projected to be $31.74, which is noticeably lower than the national hourly median of $35.74. This difference signals important considerations for part-time workers, particularly those employed in diverse settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, and schools. Those working part-time, such as three days a week, can expect to earn a stable income, but it may not equate to the higher national averages. With entry-level rates starting at $24.20 and top earners making up to $38.43 per hour, COTAs must evaluate their opportunities carefully. Notably, these hourly figures are derived from projected annual salaries, reflecting the needs and budgets of local healthcare facilities while accounting for the cost of living in the area, which is slightly above the national average at 115.9.
About the Rome 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) | $24.20 | $193.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.92 | $223.39 |
| Median (P50) | $31.74 | $253.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.29 | $266.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.43 | $307.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rome
Based on $31.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.74/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rome, NY can expect to earn approximately $66,014 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,085. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rome.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rome
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,269.50 | $5,501 | $66,014 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $761.70 | $3,301 | $39,608 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $507.80 | $2,200 | $26,406 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Rome) | $31.74 |
| 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 Rome, NY earn a median of $66,023 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.18% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.00% above the New York state average of $64,100.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.74/hr = $39,608/year (purchasing power: $34,175).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,014/year (purchasing power: $56,958).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Rome (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Rome grew 17.5% from $26.26/hr (2019) to $30.87/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.63/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 Rome 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 Rome
For occupational therapy assistants considering part-time work versus full-time commitments, the financial implications are significant. A COTA working three days a week will earn considerably less on an annual basis compared to full-time counterparts but can maintain greater flexibility in their schedule. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Rome typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour; however, travel contracts may offer weekly earnings between $1,100 and $1,700, making them an attractive option for COTAs looking to boost income rapidly but with less job security. Hourly rates also depend on employer types; for instance, skilled nursing facilities may provide lower wages but often come with reliable benefits such as health insurance, while outpatient clinics might offer higher hourly rates but lack comprehensive benefits packages. Therefore, negotiating for higher pay can take into account the total compensation package, which may be appealing in different settings. COTAs should be strategic, especially in the current climate where reimbursement cuts have affected pay, focusing on negotiating effectively based on their unique circumstances.
More salary data for Rome, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Rome in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Rome?
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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 Rome. 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 Rome 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