Healthcare Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Occupational Therapist Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median occupational therapist salary in Boston, MA is $149,088 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 11.9% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$149,088
vs State Avg
+$15,841
vs National
+$55,908
Cost of Living
152%

Occupational Therapist Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median occupational therapist salary of $149,088, which is $15,841 above the Massachusetts state average of $133,247. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $149,088 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $98,084. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Boston spans from $99,200 at the 10th percentile to $204,016 at the 90th percentile — a $104,816 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $102,400, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $192,000. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $102,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $192,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$102,400
+$38,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$148,800
+$55,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$192,000
+$72,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $99,200
25th Percentile $123,520
Median (50th) $149,088
75th Percentile $175,680
90th Percentile $204,016

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$156,542
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$109,952
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$105,293
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$98,771
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Boston

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Boston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Boston

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Boston

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $149,088 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $99,200 (10th percentile) to $204,016 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $149,088, a occupational therapist in Boston earns approximately $72 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Boston's median occupational therapist salary of $149,088 is 11.9% above the Massachusetts state average of $133,247. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $149,088 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Boston? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Boston require a master's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Activities, Patient Assessment, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.