Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Cortland, NY: $28.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Cortland, NY runs $28.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,006 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Cortland's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,400 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cortland, NY, the projected median hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants is $28.37, which is significantly lower than the national median of $35.74. This disparity highlights the financial landscape for those working in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, and even on a per-diem basis. For part-time workers, such as those working three days a week, this translates into a steady income while allowing flexibility in their schedules. The hourly rate range for occupational therapy assistants in this area stretches from $21.83 for entry-level positions to $32.73 for experienced practitioners, reflecting the variations in experience and demand for services within the local market. Given the estimated rates are derived from annual salary data, they serve as a useful benchmark for understanding the competitive environment for occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Cortland.
About the Cortland 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) | $21.83 | $174.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.99 | $199.94 |
| Median (P50) | $28.37 | $226.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.61 | $244.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.73 | $261.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cortland
Based on $28.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.37/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cortland, NY can expect to earn approximately $59,000 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,038. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cortland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cortland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,134.61 | $4,917 | $59,000 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $680.77 | $2,950 | $35,400 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $453.84 | $1,967 | $23,600 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Cortland) | $28.37 |
| 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 Cortland, NY earn a median of $59,006 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.62% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.90% below the New York state average of $64,067.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.37/hr = $35,400/year (purchasing power: $30,543).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,000/year (purchasing power: $50,906).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Cortland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Cortland grew 17.5% from $23.47/hr (2019) to $27.59/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.16/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 Cortland 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 Cortland
While the prospect of part-time work may appeal to some, it's essential to consider the overall earning potential for an occupational therapy assistant in the area. Successfully working a three-day schedule could yield a substantial income, though it still falls short when compared to full-time opportunities. Per-diem positions, often fetching between $30 and $45 per hour, present another pathway for COTAs, especially in a climate where reimbursement for services has been impacted by recent cuts. In Cortland, hourly rates can vary significantly across employer types. Skilled nursing facilities might offer lower rates compared to outpatient clinics, where demand can lead to higher compensation. COTAs often face decisions that pit hourly pay against benefits like health insurance. Thus, determining whether to accept a lower hourly rate with benefits or chase higher pay without them is a common negotiation point. For those entering the field, especially with a COTA-to-MOT bridge pathway in mind, understanding the local market and mastering negotiation skills can greatly affect long-term career satisfaction.
More salary data for Cortland, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Cortland in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Cortland?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Cortland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Cortland?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Cortland?
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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 Cortland. 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 Cortland 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