Value of Volunteer Time in New York

In New York, an hour of volunteer time is worth $39.50 (2025, Independent Sector). Enter your hours below to get a sourced, grant-ready dollar value.

2025 (preliminary): $39.50/hr2024 (final): $38.48/hrvs. national: +$3.36

Total volunteer hours

State

Source year

Estimated value of volunteer time

$39,500.00

1,000 hours × $39.50/hr · New York (2025)

Source: Independent Sector, 2026 Value of Volunteer Time Report. Based on the average hourly earnings of all production and non-supervisory workers on private non-farm payrolls (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), increased by 15.3% for fringe benefits.

How much are volunteer hours worth in New York?

For 2025, Independent Sector estimates the value of an hour of volunteer time in New York at $39.50. That makes 100 volunteer hours worth $3,950.00, and 1,000 hours worth $39,500.00.

New York's rate is higher than the national average of $36.14 per hour. Based on the average hourly earnings of all production and non-supervisory workers on private non-farm payrolls (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), increased by 15.3% for fringe benefits. Because the figure is tied to local wages, using the New York rate is the most defensible choice for a New York-based program.

Source: Independent Sector, 2026 Value of Volunteer Time Report. Use the national calculator →

FAQ

New York volunteer value — FAQ

What is the value of volunteer time in New York?

The value of volunteer time in New York is $39.50 per hour for 2025 (Independent Sector preliminary estimate). The most recent final figure is $38.48 per hour for 2024.

How do I calculate the dollar value of volunteer hours in New York?

Multiply your total volunteer hours by $39.50 (the 2025 New York rate). For example, 1,000 volunteer hours are worth $39,500.00. The calculator above does this for you and exports a sourced report.

Why is New York's rate different from the national average?

Independent Sector derives each state's value from local average hourly earnings (Bureau of Labor Statistics). New York's $39.50 is $3.36 above the national average of $36.14 because local wages differ.

Can I use the New York figure in a grant application?

Yes. Documenting in-kind volunteer value is widely accepted for demonstrating community support and match. Cite Independent Sector and note you used the New York state figure. Always confirm a specific funder's allowable match rules.