Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Billerica, MA: $68,770 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Billerica, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $68,770 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Billerica's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $63,382 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($98,742) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those entering the occupational therapy field in Billerica, Massachusetts can expect a starting occupational therapist salary around $68,770. This entry-level figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $98,742, indicating a substantial growth trajectory as new graduates gain experience. Within their first few years, early-career therapists may see salaries progress to approximately $84,784 as they secure positions that develop their skills and professional credentials. Given the projected 3.06% annual growth rate for the field, Billerica presents a viable market for new grads. For those just beginning their careers, understanding the pay scale and growth potential can help set realistic expectations while navigating the journey ahead.
About the Billerica Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Billerica
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Billerica
Entry-level occupational therapists in Billerica, MA typically start between $68,770 and $84,784 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $59,441 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $98,742 — 4.5% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $150,000 represents just 218.12% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($68,770/year) in Billerica. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Master's and Doctoral occupational therapy programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institution programs; MOT programs typically run 2-3 years post-bachelor's.
OT, OTR Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Billerica
- 1Research the Billerica market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $68,770 to $84,784, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Billerica, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Billerica for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Billerica's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapist Compensation Range
The occupational therapist wage spread in Billerica is $59,441 ( 86.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $68,770, experienced hygienists can earn up to $128,211.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,869
2025 BLS Actual
$66,728
2026 Current Est.
$68,770
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Billerica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,869 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,362 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,480 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,937 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,697 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,891 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,728 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,770 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,874 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Billerica, MA grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,869 in 2019 to $66,728 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,874. New graduates entering the Billerica job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billerica metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Billerica
Employers in Billerica actively seek newly minted occupational therapists to fill various roles, notably in hospital systems, rehabilitation centers, and school districts. Hospital systems often offer residency programs, enhancing early career prospects with the opportunity to specialize further. School districts typically have summer-off contracts that appeal to recent grads looking for a balanced work-life dynamic. Starting pay can be influenced by credentials such as a Master’s (MOT) or a Doctorate (OTD) from an ACOTE-accredited program, along with passing the NBCOT national exam to secure licensure in Massachusetts. To enhance early salaries, aspiring therapists may consider pursuing optional board certifications, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), which is highly regarded. Given the evolving landscape of the field, where entry-level positions now require a master’s or doctoral degree, new OT graduates might realistically anticipate a steady increase in their earnings over the first three years, buoyed by strategic professional development and networking through organizations like AOTA.
More salary data for Billerica, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Billerica in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Billerica?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Billerica?
What do new occupational therapists make right out of school in Billerica?
How do I become a occupational therapist in Massachusetts?
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Billerica. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Billerica is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov