Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Chelsea, MA: $48.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Chelsea, MA runs $48.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,028 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Chelsea's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,618 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelsea, Massachusetts, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected to be $48.57 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $49.71. This hourly wage reflects the economic climate and cost of living in the area, where OTs work in various settings, including hospital rehabilitation units and skilled nursing facilities. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates to a potential income of approximately $2,500 per month before taxes, presenting a viable option for those seeking a flexible work schedule. Entry-level occupational therapists can expect to earn around $35.63 per hour, while more experienced individuals with specialized skills or CHT credentials may command upwards of $60.41 per hour. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, offering a broad view of occupational therapist pay trends in Chelsea, MA.
About the Chelsea Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.63 | $285.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.11 | $320.89 |
| Median (P50) | $48.57 | $388.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.00 | $440.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.41 | $483.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chelsea
Based on $48.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.57/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chelsea, MA can expect to earn approximately $101,030 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,287. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chelsea.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chelsea
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,942.89 | $8,419 | $101,030 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,165.73 | $5,052 | $60,618 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $777.15 | $3,368 | $40,412 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Chelsea) | $48.57 |
| 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 Chelsea, MA earn a median of $101,028 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.29% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $101,945.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.57/hr = $60,618/year (purchasing power: $55,869).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,030/year (purchasing power: $93,115).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Chelsea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Chelsea grew 18.1% from $39.91/hr (2019) to $47.13/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.06/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 Chelsea 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 Chelsea
Taking a deeper dive into the earning potential of occupational therapists in Chelsea, a part-time occupational therapist working a 24-hour week would take home around $54,000 annually before taxes. This is a stark contrast to full-time positions, which could lead to significantly higher incomes around $101,028. Many OTs also consider per-diem roles, typically billing between $50 and $75 per hour, depending on their skills and the facility they work in, such as early intervention programs or mental health facilities. For CHT-credentialed hand therapists, the hourly premiums can reach $80 to $110 in cash-pay settings, while travel OT contracts can yield weekly compensation between $1,800 and $2,800. Those seeking higher hourly wages may find trade-offs with benefits, as accepting lower hourly rates often include health insurance. For OTs in Chelsea looking to negotiate their pay, showcasing any specialized certifications, like CHT, can bolster their bargaining position effectively.
More salary data for Chelsea, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Chelsea in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Chelsea?
Are occupational therapists in Chelsea paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Chelsea?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Chelsea?
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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 Chelsea. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chelsea 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