OT in NYC EI
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists in early intervention focus on sensory processing, fine motor skills, self-care, and play. You help infants and toddlers develop the skills they need to participate in daily routines.
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NYC EI pay rates, OT
What do NYC EI OTs earn?
Rates vary significantly across agencies. Licensed OTs earn $48–$85/session across 14 agencies on EI Match. At 20 sessions/week over 48 weeks, that's $46,080–$81,600/year.
Rates by agency, OT per session
The role
What does an EI OT do?
You evaluate children for delays in fine motor, visual-motor, sensory processing, and adaptive behavior. Treatment happens in the home, working with the child and coaching caregivers.
Licensing
License requirements in NYC
New York State OT licensure required. COTAs can work under OT supervision in EI.
What OTs do in NYC EI
Occupational Therapist in NYC Early Intervention
NYC EI OTs evaluate and treat infants and toddlers with delays in fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care, and developmental milestones. Sessions are home-based and focus on helping children participate in everyday routines, feeding, play, dressing, and family activities. You work closely with caregivers to build skills they can carry over between sessions.
Licensing requirements
NYS license as an Occupational Therapist (OTR/L). Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA) may be approved under the supervision of a licensed OT. Your license must be active and in good standing with the NYS Office of Professions at the time of your NYC DOH early intervention application. Review the full NYC DOH approval guide for step-by-step instructions.
Demand for OTs in NYC EI
OTs are the second most recruited discipline in NYC EI. Demand is especially strong in neighborhoods with high autism referral rates, where sensory processing and fine motor work is frequently needed.
OTs with sensory integration expertise or feeding therapy experience can command the highest rates. Agencies frequently prioritize OTs who can handle complex autism caseloads. Use the pay calculator to see which agencies are currently paying the most for OTs.
Related guides
Resources for NYC EI OTs
Common questions
FAQ for OTs in NYC EI
Yes, EI providers must be approved by the NYC DOHMH. Most agencies walk you through the approval process and can start onboarding before you're fully approved.
Yes. Most NYC EI OTs work with 2–3 agencies to fill their caseload. Agencies are used to this and EI Match can help you find the right mix.
It varies, some agencies pay within 14 days, others take 30–45. This is one of the biggest quality-of-life differences between agencies. EI Match shows each agency's payment cycle upfront.
Most EI therapists work as 1099 independent contractors and manage their own taxes. A small number of agencies offer W-2 with benefits. 1099 typically pays more per session.
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