Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Valley Stream, NY: $29.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Valley Stream, NY runs $29.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,196 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Valley Stream's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,312 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Valley Stream, NY, earn a median hourly pay of $29.90, which positions them below the national median of $35.74 per hour. This rate reflects the area's unique economic conditions, influenced by the higher cost of living index of 115.9. The hourly pay range starts at about $20.74 for entry-level positions and can reach up to $36.83 for top earners in settings ranging from skilled nursing facilities to outpatient clinics as well as home health visits. Part-time workers, typically scheduling around three days a week, can expect to see their hourly earnings translate into a stable income, but the lower hourly rate in Valley Stream compared to national figures suggests a trade-off in overall compensation potential. For per-diem professionals, the ability to work flexibly may often outweigh the relatively lower occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Valley Stream.
About the Valley Stream 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) | $20.74 | $165.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.70 | $213.60 |
| Median (P50) | $29.90 | $239.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.87 | $262.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.83 | $294.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Valley Stream
Based on $29.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.90/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Valley Stream, NY can expect to earn approximately $62,186 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,877. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Valley Stream.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Valley Stream
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,195.89 | $5,182 | $62,186 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $717.53 | $3,109 | $37,312 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $478.35 | $2,073 | $24,874 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Valley Stream) | $29.90 |
| 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 Valley Stream, NY earn a median of $62,196 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.33% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.90% below the New York state average of $64,053.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.90/hr = $37,312/year (purchasing power: $32,193).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,186/year (purchasing power: $53,655).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Valley Stream (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Valley Stream grew 17.5% from $24.74/hr (2019) to $29.08/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.74/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 Valley Stream 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 Valley Stream
Looking at the earning potential for part-time occupational therapy assistants, working 24 hours a week could yield around $37,254 annually. By comparison, full-time COTAs can bring home more substantial salaries, making it essential for workers to consider their schedule preferences. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Valley Stream typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, creating lucrative opportunities for those willing to work on demand. However, it's crucial to recognize varying compensation across employer types. Skilled nursing facilities may offer lower rates due to the aftermath of the 15% Medicare cut affecting reimbursement for OTA services, while outpatient clinics and travel contracts might provide more alluring wages, often billing between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. Some professionals opt for lower hourly rates at schools and various health agencies for the benefits, underscoring the importance of negotiating pay structures that align with personal and professional goals in this competitive field.
More salary data for Valley Stream, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Valley Stream in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Valley Stream?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Valley Stream paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Valley Stream?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Valley Stream?
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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 Valley Stream. 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 Valley Stream 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