Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Boston, MA: $50.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Boston, MA runs $50.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,059 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Boston's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.3, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,036 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boston, the occupational therapist hourly pay reaches a median of $50.51, slightly higher than the national median of $49.71. This level of compensation offers significant earning potential, particularly for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, common within settings such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, and home health visits. Entry-level occupational therapists can expect to earn around $37.00 per hour, while experienced professionals in specialized roles may command up to $63.95 per hour. This data is drawn from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics and provides an essential benchmark for assessing potential income within this profession across the city and beyond.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.00 | $295.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.00 | $335.98 |
| Median (P50) | $50.51 | $404.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.81 | $438.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.95 | $511.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boston
Based on $50.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.51/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boston, MA can expect to earn approximately $105,060 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,612. With a cost-of-living index of 108.27 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,020.39 | $8,755 | $105,060 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,212.23 | $5,253 | $63,036 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $808.16 | $3,502 | $42,024 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Boston) | $50.51 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Boston, MA earn a median of $105,059 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.60% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 3.00% above the Massachusetts state average of $101,999.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.51/hr = $63,036/year (purchasing power: $58,223).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,060/year (purchasing power: $97,039).
CoL index: 108.266 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Boston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Boston grew 16.2% from $42.18/hr (2019) to $49.01/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.06/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boston 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapist in Boston
Across Boston, the part-time earning potential for an occupational therapist working three days a week typically translates to an annual take-home of approximately $39,407, significantly lower than full-time counterparts but flexible and attractive for many professionals. Those opting for per-diem positions often encounter varying rates, commonly billing between $50-$75 per hour, while Certified Hand Therapists (CHT) can achieve per-hour rates of $80-$110 in cash-pay settings. Travel occupational therapists may see lucrative contracts ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. Notably, the setting of employment can greatly influence hourly rates; hospitals may offer structured salary packages, while outpatient clinics and early intervention programs often result in negotiate variations. Many therapists weigh the benefits of health insurance against higher hourly rates without benefits, navigating the landscape of compensation based on personal needs. For those starting negotiations, understanding your worth in the bustling Boston market and being clear about your priorities is vital for securing favorable terms.
More salary data for Boston, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Boston in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Boston?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Boston. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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