Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Plymouth, MA: $72,415 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Plymouth, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,415 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $66,742 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,659) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level occupational therapist salary in Plymouth, Massachusetts is projected to start at $72,415 for new graduates, which is considerably lower than the city median salary of $102,659. This gap highlights the transitional phase that many inexperienced professionals must navigate as they build their careers. In their first few years, salaries may increase significantly, with new grads potentially seeing their earnings rise to $82,952 as they gain experience and proficiency. By the third to fifth year of employment, it is reasonable for entry-level therapists in Plymouth to expect to reach closer to the city's median salary as they make progress in their roles and enhance their skill set, making Plymouth a promising market for recent graduates seeking growth.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plymouth
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 Plymouth
Entry-level occupational therapists in Plymouth, MA typically start between $72,415 and $82,952 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $62,310 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,659 — 0.72% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $150,000 represents just 207.14% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($72,415/year) in Plymouth. 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 Plymouth
- 1Research the Plymouth market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $72,415 to $82,952, 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 Plymouth, 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 Plymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Plymouth'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 Plymouth is $62,310 ( 86.05%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,415, experienced hygienists can earn up to $134,725.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,671
2025 BLS Actual
$70,265
2026 Current Est.
$72,415
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,671 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,190 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,474 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,061 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,914 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,586 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,265 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,415 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,631 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Plymouth, MA grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,671 in 2019 to $70,265 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,631. New graduates entering the Plymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Several employers in Plymouth actively seek to hire newly graduated occupational therapists, particularly hospital systems that offer residency programs aimed at obtaining specialty certifications. School districts are also viable options, often providing summer-off contracts that appeal to recent graduates looking for a balanced work-life arrangement. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) represent another recruiting avenue, although they may come with higher productivity pressures. For those looking to increase their starting pay in MA, holding a Master's (MOT) or Doctorate (OTD) from an ACOTE-accredited program along with passing the NBCOT national exam is essential. Adding optional credentials, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) certification, can lead to higher salary premiums. With the transition to an entry-level OTD expected by 2027, new professionals should strategize their first few years to position themselves competitively in a rapidly evolving field, paving the way for sustainable salary growth in the upcoming years.
More salary data for Plymouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Plymouth in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Plymouth?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Plymouth?
What do new occupational therapists make right out of school in Plymouth?
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 Plymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth 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