Occupational Therapist Salary in Middletown, NY: $86,055 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Middletown, NY earns a median $86,055/year (≈ $41.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Middletown's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $74,249 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected compensation for occupational therapists in Middletown, New York, reaches a median annual salary of $86,055. This figure falls below the national median of $103,400, highlighting a salary gap of roughly 16.77%. The local salary range spans from $66,759 at the P10 level to $111,417 at the P90 mark, presenting a wide variance for those in the profession. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price disparities, indicating that while the pay may seem modest compared to the national average, occupational therapists in Middletown have opportunities that can enhance their earnings through certifications, particularly with the CHT specialty. The job market for OTs in the region is competitive, providing a solid foundation for growth and advancement within the industry.
About the Middletown Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,759 | $32.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,777 | $34.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,055 | $41.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,929 | $48.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,417 | $53.57 |
Median Salary Position
16.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Middletown
In Middletown, NY, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,658 (2026 est.). At $86,055, the local median is 16.77% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Middletown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Middletown Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Middletown median: $86,055/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Middletown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $88,992 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -16.77% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Middletown has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Middletown, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,055 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,249 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,700
2025 BLS Actual
$83,500
2026 Current Est.
$86,055
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Middletown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,700 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,807 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,216 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,549 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,204 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,542 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,500 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,055 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,688 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Middletown metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $70,700 (2019) to $83,500 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,688 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,988 (25.44%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $66,759 – $71,777 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,777 – $86,055 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,055 – $99,929 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,929 – $111,417 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Middletown
Middletown's labor market currently employs seven occupational therapists, a modest number indicative of both opportunities and competition within the field. The cost of living in this area is rated at a 115.9 index, suggesting that the take-home purchasing power can be impacted by local expenses. Employers offering the highest wages include skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab centers, while school district contracts generally offer lower pay. The range in occupational therapist pay in Middletown is influenced by various factors like the work setting, potential stipends for certifications such as the CHT, and differing productivity expectations across the sectors. To maximize earnings, occupational therapists may consider seeking positions in higher-paying environments and pursuing additional certifications, particularly as the field transitions to requiring advanced degrees. Understanding these dynamics can guide professionals in making informed career choices in Middletown, NY.
More salary data for Middletown, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Middletown, NY in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $83,500 for occupational therapistsin the Middletown metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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