Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Middletown, NY: $41.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Middletown, NY runs $41.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,055 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Middletown's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,628 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Middletown, NY, the projected occupational therapist hourly pay in 2026 stands at $41.37. This rate is notably lower than the national median of $49.71, reflecting the local economic conditions and cost of living index, which is 115.9. For part-time therapists working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a modest income, especially given the diverse settings they may operate in, including hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and school therapy rooms. Entry-level occupational therapists might earn about $32.09 per hour, while seasoned professionals can see their hourly wage climb to $53.57. These figures, derived from annual salary estimations, offer insights into the compensation landscape for occupational therapy roles in the region.
About the Middletown Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.09 | $256.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.50 | $276.04 |
| Median (P50) | $41.37 | $330.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.05 | $384.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.57 | $428.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Middletown
Based on $41.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.37/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Middletown, NY can expect to earn approximately $86,046 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,642. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Middletown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Middletown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,654.73 | $7,171 | $86,046 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $992.84 | $4,302 | $51,628 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $661.89 | $2,868 | $34,418 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Middletown) | $41.37 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Middletown, NY earn a median of $86,055 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.77% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.30% below the New York state average of $88,992.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.37/hr = $51,628/year (purchasing power: $44,545).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,046/year (purchasing power: $74,242).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Middletown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Middletown grew 18.1% from $33.99/hr (2019) to $40.14/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.63/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Middletown 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 3.06% 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 Therapist in Middletown
Considering the potential for part-time work, a therapist operating on a 24-hour weekly schedule could expect a take-home income that reflects their hourly commitments. In contrast to full-time positions, part-time roles may not include benefits, which can often diminish overall compensation. Many per diem occupational therapists in Middletown find that their pay rates can range from $50 to $75 per hour, and specialized individuals, such as Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs), can earn between $80 and $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Working with agencies or accepting travel contracts can significantly increase earnings, with weekly payments varying from $1,800 to $2,800. Factors influencing the hourly rate include the type of employer—ranging from skilled nursing facilities to home health agencies—along with the trade-offs between a higher hourly rate without benefits versus a lower rate with health insurance. For those negotiating salaries in Middletown, it may be beneficial to emphasize the work-life balance that part-time or per diem roles offer, keeping in mind the varied settings where occupational therapy is delivered.
More salary data for Middletown, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Middletown in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Middletown?
Are occupational therapists in Middletown paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Middletown?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Middletown?
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Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
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 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Middletown. 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 Middletown 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 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov