Healthcare Massachusetts (MA) Rank #3 of 50

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Massachusetts

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Massachusetts is $93,551 per year, which is 43.0% above the national median of $65,420.

Median Salary
$93,551
vs National
+$28,131
State Rank
#3 of 50
Cost of Living
135%

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Overview in Massachusetts (2026)

Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for occupational therapy assistant compensation. This places Massachusetts in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for occupational therapy assistants seeking high pay. At $93,551 per year, occupational therapy assistants in Massachusetts earn $28,131 more than the national median of $65,420.

It's worth noting that Massachusetts's cost of living is 135% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $93,551 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $69,297.

The salary spread in Massachusetts is significant: occupational therapy assistants at the 10th percentile earn $60,060, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $131,560 — a $71,500 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Massachusetts for this role is Cambridge, where the median reaches $109,906.

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Massachusetts and beyond.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Massachusetts by Experience

In Massachusetts, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $62,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $125,840 per year. The cost of living index in Massachusetts is 135% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,920
+$18,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$94,380
+$28,380 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$125,840
+$37,840 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Massachusetts

Percentile MA Salary
10th Percentile $60,060
25th Percentile $74,360
Median (50th) $93,551
75th Percentile $114,400
90th Percentile $131,560

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary by City in Massachusetts

The largest employment areas for occupational therapy assistants in Massachusetts include Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Cambridge. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Massachusetts

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. Massachusetts has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ExercisesPatient CareDocumentationCommunicationAdaptabilityCompassion

Job Outlook in Massachusetts

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Massachusetts's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Massachusetts

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Massachusetts? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Massachusetts is $93,551 per year, which is 43.0% above the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $60,060 (10th percentile) to $131,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Massachusetts? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $93,551, a occupational therapy assistant in Massachusetts earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Massachusetts a good state for occupational therapy assistants? ▼
Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for occupational therapy assistant pay. The cost of living index is 135% of the national average. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn $62,920, while senior professionals earn $125,840.
How does Massachusetts compare to other states for occupational therapy assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for occupational therapy assistants is Hawaii at $116,448. Massachusetts's median of $93,551 ranks #3 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($116,448) and California ($95,513).
What is the entry-level occupational therapy assistant salary in Massachusetts? ▼
An entry-level occupational therapy assistant in Massachusetts earns approximately $62,920 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $94,380. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $125,840.
What city in Massachusetts pays occupational therapy assistants the most? ▼
Cambridge is the highest paying city in Massachusetts for occupational therapy assistants, with a median salary of $109,906. Other cities include Boston and Worcester.