Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Lawrence, MA: $47.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Lawrence, MA runs $47.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,436 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Lawrence's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,666 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lawrence, Massachusetts, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected to be $47.81 in 2026, which falls slightly below the national median of $49.71 per hour. This average rate opens up various opportunities for professionals in the field, especially those working part-time or as per-diem therapists. For instance, a therapist working three days a week could expect to earn around $1,150 weekly based on a 24-hour work schedule. The hourly earnings range significantly, with entry-level roles starting at approximately $35.10, while experienced therapists, especially those holding specialty certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), can earn up to $62.72 per hour. These figures are drawn from estimated annual salary data and reflect the diverse work settings in which occupational therapists operate, such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and outpatient clinics.
About the Lawrence 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) | $35.10 | $280.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.67 | $317.34 |
| Median (P50) | $47.81 | $382.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.76 | $454.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.72 | $501.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lawrence
Based on $47.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.81/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lawrence, MA can expect to earn approximately $99,444 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,371. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lawrence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lawrence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,912.38 | $8,287 | $99,444 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,147.43 | $4,972 | $59,666 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $764.95 | $3,315 | $39,778 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Lawrence) | $47.81 |
| 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 Lawrence, MA earn a median of $99,436 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.83% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $101,986.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.81/hr = $59,666/year (purchasing power: $54,992).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,444/year (purchasing power: $91,653).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Lawrence grew 18.1% from $39.28/hr (2019) to $46.39/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.27/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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence
The potential earning dynamics in Lawrence further illustrate the realities occupational therapists face in the labor market. For instance, a part-time occupational therapist working 24 hours a week could expect an annual income of about $62,500, while full-time counterparts may surpass that figure significantly. Per-diem occupational therapists often benefit from flexible scheduling and can bill between $50 and $75 per hour based on demand, with those specializing in hand therapy reportedly earning up to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and school district contracts tend to offer varying compensation packages, weighing benefits against hourly pay. Therapists must choose between higher hourly wages without benefits and lower rates that include health insurance. Knowing one's worth and understanding local market rates helps in negotiations, ensuring that professionals can secure the compensation they deserve in Lawrence's robust healthcare environment.
More salary data for Lawrence, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Lawrence in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Lawrence?
Are occupational therapists in Lawrence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Lawrence?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Lawrence?
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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 Lawrence. 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 Lawrence 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