Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Saratoga Springs, NY: $29.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Saratoga Springs, NY runs $29.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,565 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Saratoga Springs's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,940 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Saratoga Springs, the projected hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant (COTA) stands at $29.60, a figure notably below the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This disparity may influence part-time practitioners, especially those working in various therapeutic environments, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and during home health visits. For occupational therapy assistants, the hourly pay range is estimated to begin around $22.60 for entry-level positions, reaching up to $36.92 for more experienced professionals. These figures emphasize the potential for earnings that vary widely based on the specific work setting and the level of experience, reflecting the increasing demand for COTAs in therapeutic roles.
About the Saratoga Springs 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) | $22.60 | $180.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.06 | $208.50 |
| Median (P50) | $29.60 | $236.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.07 | $248.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.92 | $295.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Saratoga Springs
Based on $29.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.60/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Saratoga Springs, NY can expect to earn approximately $61,566 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,519. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Saratoga Springs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Saratoga Springs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,183.96 | $5,130 | $61,566 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $710.38 | $3,078 | $36,940 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $473.58 | $2,052 | $24,626 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Saratoga Springs) | $29.60 |
| 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 Saratoga Springs, NY earn a median of $61,565 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.18% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.90% below the New York state average of $64,063.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.60/hr = $36,940/year (purchasing power: $31,872).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,566/year (purchasing power: $53,120).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Saratoga Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Saratoga Springs grew 17.5% from $24.49/hr (2019) to $28.79/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.43/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 Saratoga Springs 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 Saratoga Springs
For those considering part-time opportunities, working three days a week can yield significant annual earnings compared to full-time positions. A COTA working 24 hours weekly would see a lower annual income but might appreciate the flexibility of part-time work, particularly when balancing personal commitments or pursuing further education. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Saratoga Springs typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, providing attractive compensation for those willing to float between settings. However, with the challenges posed by the 15% Medicare cut enacted in 2022, some settings may offer reduced pay rates. Hourly wages can vary greatly across employer types, from skilled nursing facilities to outpatient clinics, and occupational therapy assistants must weigh the benefits of higher hourly rates against the stability of employer-sponsored health insurance. When negotiating, it’s crucial to be knowledgeable about local market rates and to advocate for fair compensation based on the context of each position.
More salary data for Saratoga Springs, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Saratoga Springs in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Saratoga Springs?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Saratoga Springs paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Saratoga Springs?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Saratoga Springs?
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 Saratoga Springs. 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 Saratoga Springs 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