Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Niagara Falls, NY: $30.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Niagara Falls, NY runs $30.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,132 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Niagara Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,876 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Niagara Falls, NY, the projected median occupational therapy assistant hourly pay for 2026 is $30.35, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. For part-time workers, such as those who may choose to work three days per week, this translates to approximately $30,000 annually, revealing a necessity for strategic financial planning. The hourly pay ranges from $21.93 at the entry-level (P10) to about $35.24 for top earners (P90) in various clinical settings, including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school therapy rooms. Per-diem work is also an option, affording flexibility to those seeking to balance their schedules or supplement their income, though per diem pay rates can vary significantly depending on the setting and demand.
About the Niagara Falls 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) | $21.93 | $175.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.82 | $206.52 |
| Median (P50) | $30.35 | $242.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.16 | $257.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.24 | $281.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Niagara Falls
Based on $30.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.35/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Niagara Falls, NY can expect to earn approximately $63,127 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,419. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Niagara Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Niagara Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,213.98 | $5,261 | $63,127 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $728.39 | $3,156 | $37,876 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $485.59 | $2,104 | $25,251 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Niagara Falls) | $30.35 |
| 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 Niagara Falls, NY earn a median of $63,132 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.07% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.50% below the New York state average of $64,093.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.35/hr = $37,876/year (purchasing power: $32,680).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,127/year (purchasing power: $54,467).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Niagara Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Niagara Falls grew 17.5% from $25.11/hr (2019) to $29.52/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.20/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 Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls
When examining part-time earnings in greater depth, a COTA working 24 hours per week in Niagara Falls could expect annual take-home income to dip compared to their full-time counterparts, yet this path can afford crucial work-life balance opportunities. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Niagara Falls typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, while travel contracts may yield between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly, offering lucrative options for those willing to meet transient workforce needs. Nonetheless, the recent 15% cut to Medicare reimbursements for COTA-provided services has made these roles less financially enticing in some environments, compelling many professionals to weigh the benefits of employer-provided health insurance against higher hourly rates without benefits. For those negotiating pay successfully, researching comparable roles and emphasizing specialized skills or certifications can greatly influence wage discussions in this competitive landscape.
More salary data for Niagara Falls, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Niagara Falls in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Niagara Falls?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Niagara Falls paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Niagara Falls?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Niagara Falls?
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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 Niagara Falls. 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 Niagara Falls 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