Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Weymouth, MA: $70,318 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Weymouth, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,318 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Weymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $64,809 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,754) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Weymouth, Massachusetts, new graduates entering occupational therapy can expect a starting salary as low as $70,318 in 2026, reflecting the entry-level occupational therapist salary landscape in the area. This amount falls significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $101,754, creating a noticeable gap for those just starting their careers. However, those who advance in their roles can expect to increase their earnings over the first three to five years. With a projected growth trajectory that allows entry-level professionals to reach around $85,005—close to the 25th percentile—new grads should remain optimistic about their pay prospects as they gain experience and certifications in Weymouth, which currently presents a solid job market for emerging practitioners.
About the Weymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Weymouth
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 Weymouth
Entry-level occupational therapists in Weymouth, MA typically start between $70,318 and $85,005 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $67,860 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,754 — 1.59% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $150,000 represents just 213.32% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($70,318/year) in Weymouth. 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 Weymouth
- 1Research the Weymouth market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $70,318 to $85,005, 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 Weymouth, 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 Weymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Weymouth'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 Weymouth is $67,860 ( 96.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,318, experienced hygienists can earn up to $138,178.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,059
2025 BLS Actual
$68,230
2026 Current Est.
$70,318
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Weymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,059 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,563 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,751 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,264 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,063 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,474 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,230 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,318 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,470 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Weymouth, MA grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,059 in 2019 to $68,230 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,470. New graduates entering the Weymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Weymouth 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 Weymouth
In terms of employment opportunities, various employers in Weymouth actively seek newly licensed occupational therapists. Hospital systems often offer residency programs that educate new grads while leading to specialty certification, which can enhance starting salaries. School districts provide contracts that allow new therapists to start their careers typically with summers off, while skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are known to recruit aggressively, albeit with high expectations regarding productivity. Holding a Master’s (MOT) or Doctorate (OTD) from an ACOTE-accredited program, as well as passing the NBCOT national exam and obtaining a state OT license, are essential for starting in this profession. Furthermore, pursuing optional board certifications, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), can substantially boost earning potential as new graduates navigate their early years. Realistic salary growth during these formative years typically hinges on acquiring experience and credentials, especially as the field transitions to requiring entry-level OTD by 2027, positioning new grads favorably within the evolving job market in Massachusetts.
More salary data for Weymouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Weymouth in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Weymouth?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Weymouth?
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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 Weymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Weymouth 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