Occupational Therapist Pay

Westfield vs Worcester: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapist salaries between Westfield, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Westfield, MA
$100,134
$48.14/hr
Worcester, MA
$101,308
$48.71/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricWestfield, MAWorcester, MA
Median Salary$100,134$101,308
Hourly Rate$48.14$48.71
Entry Level (P10)$71,642$65,763
25th Percentile$81,597$83,303
75th Percentile$112,254$109,470
Top Earner (P90)$123,040$127,568
Total Employed9790
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Westfield ($100,134) and Worcester ($101,308) occupational therapist salaries.WestfieldWorcesterMedian Salary$100,134$101,308Entry Level (P10)$71,642$65,763Top Earner (P90)$123,040$127,568US Median $103,400

Verdict

Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Westfield.

The salary gap between Westfield and Worcester is $1,174 (1.17%). Worcester's median is -2.02% compared to the US national median of $103,400.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Westfield spans $51,398,Worcester spans $61,805. Worcester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.

Westfield
P10 (Entry)$71,642
P25$81,597
Median$100,134
P75$112,254
P90 (Top)$123,040
Worcester
P10 (Entry)$65,763
P25$83,303
Median$101,308
P75$109,470
P90 (Top)$127,568

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Worcester ($98,815 effective) pays 7.07% more than Westfield ($92,289 effective).

Westfield
Nominal: $100,134
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $92,289
Worcester
Nominal: $101,308
CoL Index: 102.523
Adjusted: $98,815

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Westfield if…

  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Worcester if…

  • Higher median salary ($101,308/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($127,568)
  • Larger job market (790 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,815)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Westfield grew -5.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.9% growth in Worcester over the same period.

Westfield, MA

+-5.0%

$102,292 (2024) → $97,161 (2025)

Worcester, MA

+14.9%

$85,540 (2019) → $98,300 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Westfield or Worcester?

Worcester has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $101,308/year, compared to Westfield at $100,134/year — a difference of $1,174 (1.17%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Westfield and Worcester?

Westfield occupational therapists earn $48.14/hr while Worcester hygienists earn $48.71/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Westfield to Worcester as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Westfield and Worcester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Westfield = $92,289, Worcester = $98,815), job availability (9 vs 790 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Westfield vs Worcester?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $71,642 in Westfield and $65,763 in Worcester. The Westfield area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JM

Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Chen, OTR/LData verified by Luis Garcia, OTR/L

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov