Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Medford, MA: $75,984 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Medford, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,984 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Medford's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,031 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,754) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those embarking on a career as an entry-level occupational therapist in Medford, Massachusetts can expect starting salaries around $75,984. While this figure is considerably lower than the city's median annual salary of $100,754, it reflects a realistic entry point for new graduates breaking into the profession. Over the first few years, early-career occupational therapists can anticipate progression through pay levels, moving from the P10 salary to the P25 salary of $85,175 and eventually toward the median. With a positive growth trajectory of 3.06% annually for the field, Medford presents a promising job market for recent graduates looking to establish themselves in occupational therapy.
About the Medford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Medford
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 Medford
Entry-level occupational therapists in Medford, MA typically start between $75,984 and $85,175 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $58,578 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,754 — 2.56% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $150,000 represents just 197.41% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($75,984/year) in Medford. 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 Medford
- 1Research the Medford market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $75,984 to $85,175, 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 Medford, 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 Medford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Medford'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 Medford is $58,578 ( 77.09%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,984, experienced hygienists can earn up to $134,562.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,415
2025 BLS Actual
$73,728
2026 Current Est.
$75,984
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,415 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,960 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,405 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,064 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,295 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,728 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,984 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,309 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Medford, MA grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,415 in 2019 to $73,728 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,309. New graduates entering the Medford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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 Medford
Recent graduates in Medford seeking their first occupational therapist role have several viable employment opportunities. Local hospital systems often offer residency programs, which not only provide practical experience but also pave the way for specialty certifications that enhance future earning potential. School districts commonly hire new grads for positions that often come with the benefits of a summer-off schedule. Although skilled nursing facilities (SNF) actively recruit entry-level therapists, it’s essential to be prepared for the demanding productivity expectations in those settings. New graduates should focus on obtaining essential credentials, including a Master’s (MOT) or Doctorate (OTD) from an ACOTE-accredited institution and passing the NBCOT national exam to achieve practice licensing in Massachusetts. As the transition to an OTD credential becomes mandatory for entry-level positions by 2027, staying competitive may require additional continuing education, especially in certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), which could significantly influence salary growth in the early years.
More salary data for Medford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Medford in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Medford?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Medford?
What do new occupational therapists make right out of school in Medford?
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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 Medford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Medford 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