Healthcare Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Boston, MA is $104,672 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 11.9% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$104,672
vs State Avg
+$11,121
vs National
+$39,252
Cost of Living
152%

Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $104,672, which is $11,121 above the Massachusetts state average of $93,551. Compared to the national median of $65,420, 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 $104,672 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $68,863. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Boston spans from $67,200 at the 10th percentile to $147,200 at the 90th percentile — a $80,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,400, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $140,800. 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 Therapy Assistant Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $70,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $140,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,400
+$26,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$105,600
+$39,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$140,800
+$52,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $67,200
25th Percentile $83,200
Median (50th) $104,672
75th Percentile $128,000
90th Percentile $147,200

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$109,906
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$77,196
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$73,925
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$69,345
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Boston

Education

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

Key Skills

Therapeutic ExercisesPatient CareDocumentationCommunicationAdaptabilityCompassion

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Boston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Boston

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Boston

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $104,672 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $67,200 (10th percentile) to $147,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $104,672, a occupational therapy assistant in Boston earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Boston's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $104,672 is 11.9% above the Massachusetts state average of $93,551. 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 therapy assistant salary of $104,672 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapy assistant in Boston? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Boston require a associate's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Exercises, Patient Care, Documentation, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 25% nationally over the next decade.