Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Chicopee, MA: $48.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Chicopee, MA runs $48.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,447 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Chicopee's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,862 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Chicopee, Massachusetts, offers an appealing occupational therapist hourly pay of $48.77, slightly below the national median of $49.71 per hour. This rate is important for professionals who may work part-time or per diem in various settings, such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient therapy clinics. The hourly wage varies significantly, ranging from $33.46 for entry-level positions to $65.94 for those in the highest earning bracket. With the cost of living index in Chicopee being 108.5, those earning well within this range can maintain a comfortable lifestyle, though their work arrangement can heavily influence overall income.
About the Chicopee 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) | $33.46 | $267.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.71 | $309.67 |
| Median (P50) | $48.77 | $390.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.15 | $449.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.94 | $527.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chicopee
Based on $48.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.77/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chicopee, MA can expect to earn approximately $101,437 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,522. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chicopee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chicopee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,950.72 | $8,453 | $101,437 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,170.43 | $5,072 | $60,862 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $780.29 | $3,381 | $40,575 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Chicopee) | $48.77 |
| 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 Chicopee, MA earn a median of $101,447 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.89% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $101,957.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.77/hr = $60,862/year (purchasing power: $56,094).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,437/year (purchasing power: $93,491).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Chicopee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Chicopee grew 18.1% from $40.07/hr (2019) to $47.32/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.26/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 Chicopee 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 Chicopee
Focusing on part-time opportunities, an occupational therapist working three days a week (around 24 hours) could potentially earn over $53,000 annually, which underscores the financial viability of the profession even at reduced hours compared to full-time work. Per diem occupational therapists are frequently paid between $50 and $75 per hour, with certified hand therapists commanding even higher rates, reaching between $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Different employer types also present varied compensation structures: skilled nursing facilities and early intervention programs may offer lower rates but provide health benefits, while hospital settings and outpatient clinics offer competitive hourly wages. Negotiating benefits against hourly rates can be critical; while some opt for slightly lower hourly pay to secure health coverage, others prioritize higher pay for greater financial flexibility. For those considering opportunities in Chicopee, it's advisable to understand the specific advantages of each employment type and to negotiate effectively based on personal preferences and needs.
More salary data for Chicopee, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Chicopee in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Chicopee?
Are occupational therapists in Chicopee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Chicopee?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Chicopee?
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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 Chicopee. 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 Chicopee 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