Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Poughkeepsie, NY: $49.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Poughkeepsie, NY runs $49.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,261 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Poughkeepsie's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $42.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,351 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Poughkeepsie, NY, the projected median hourly pay for an occupational therapist is $49.16, slightly below the national hourly median of $49.71. This rate reflects the competitive landscape and is indicative of the compensation that part-time professionals might expect, especially those working three days a week in various settings, such as hospital rehab units and skilled nursing facilities. With entry-level positions starting around $35.41, there’s significant growth potential as more experienced occupational therapists can command up to $62.43 per hour. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, highlighting how crucial it is for prospective occupational therapists to consider their pay structure based on hours worked rather than merely an annual figure.
About the Poughkeepsie 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) | $35.41 | $283.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.24 | $321.96 |
| Median (P50) | $49.16 | $393.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.34 | $450.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.43 | $499.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Poughkeepsie
Based on $49.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.16/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Poughkeepsie, NY can expect to earn approximately $102,252 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,992. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Poughkeepsie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Poughkeepsie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,966.38 | $8,521 | $102,252 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,179.83 | $5,113 | $61,351 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $786.55 | $3,408 | $40,901 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Poughkeepsie) | $49.16 |
| 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 Poughkeepsie, NY earn a median of $102,261 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.10% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 14.90% above the New York state average of $89,000.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.16/hr = $61,351/year (purchasing power: $52,935).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,252/year (purchasing power: $88,224).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Poughkeepsie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Poughkeepsie grew 18.1% from $40.39/hr (2019) to $47.70/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.66/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 Poughkeepsie 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 Poughkeepsie
When evaluating the actual income of part-time occupational therapists, working 24 hours per week could yield earnings significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Poughkeepsie generally falls within the range of $50 to $75 per hour, while specialized hand therapists with a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential can earn up to $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Additionally, travel OT contracts occasionally promise weekly pay rates of $1,800 to $2,800, thus attracting many therapists seeking flexibility. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities or outpatient clinics may offer lower hourly rates but provide benefits, which could be appealing to those requiring health insurance. Therefore, OTs in Poughkeepsie must weigh the trade-offs between hourly pay rates and the benefits of full-time positions. Effective negotiation is essential; practitioners should articulate their skills and explore compensation packages that align with the demands of the local OT market.
More salary data for Poughkeepsie, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Poughkeepsie in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Poughkeepsie?
Are occupational therapists in Poughkeepsie paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Poughkeepsie?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Poughkeepsie?
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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 Poughkeepsie. 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 Poughkeepsie 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