Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Troy, NY: $31.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Troy, NY runs $31.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,214 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Troy's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,134 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Troy, NY, the projected median hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants is set at $31.36 for 2026, which falls below the national median of $35.74. This rate provides insight into the financial expectations for part-time positions, such as those working three days a week, as well as per-diem roles across various settings including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. For entry-level occupational therapy assistants, hourly rates start around $22.19, while experienced professionals can earn up to $39.02, creating a broad spectrum for workers in the field. These hourly rates, estimated from annual salary figures, reflect the current realities of job compensation and can significantly influence choices regarding employment settings and job types within the Troy area.
About the Troy 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) | $22.19 | $177.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.41 | $211.30 |
| Median (P50) | $31.36 | $250.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.52 | $276.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.02 | $312.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Troy
Based on $31.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.36/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Troy, NY can expect to earn approximately $65,223 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,628. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Troy.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Troy
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,254.28 | $5,435 | $65,223 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $752.57 | $3,261 | $39,134 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $501.71 | $2,174 | $26,089 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Troy) | $31.36 |
| 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 Troy, NY earn a median of $65,214 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.27% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.80% above the New York state average of $64,061.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.36/hr = $39,134/year (purchasing power: $33,765).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,223/year (purchasing power: $56,275).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Troy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Troy grew 17.5% from $25.95/hr (2019) to $30.50/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.24/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 Troy 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 Troy
Part-time occupational therapy assistants working 24 hours per week can expect to bring home approximately $36,470 annually, a sum significantly lower than full-time counterparts. Meanwhile, per-diem occupational therapy assistants in Troy typically command rates between $30 and $45 per hour, with travel COTA contracts offering weekly earnings ranging from $1,100 to $1,700. Interestingly, while skilled nursing facilities tend to provide more consistent hours, they also face pay compression due to cuts stemming from the 15% Medicare reduction initiated in 2022. Moreover, hourly rates can differ substantially based on employer type in Troy, with variations being evident in outpatient clinics, early intervention programs, and home health agencies. When considering employment, some COTAs may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, highlighting a crucial trade-off in compensation negotiation. For those seeking to secure a favorable wage, focusing on employer demands and demonstrating adaptability can be key strategies when discussing hourly pay.
More salary data for Troy, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Troy in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Troy?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Troy paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Troy?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Troy?
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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 Troy. 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 Troy 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