Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Methuen, MA: $48.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Methuen, MA runs $48.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,523 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Methuen's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,309 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Methuen, Massachusetts, the projected occupational therapist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $48.32, slightly below the national median of $49.71. This rate provides a solid foundation for part-time and per-diem workers in various therapeutic settings, including hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. For those working a typical 3-day workweek, this hourly rate translates to an income that supports a balanced lifestyle, reflecting the competitive nature of the field. Entry-level occupational therapists earn around $36.28 per hour, while the most seasoned professionals can command as much as $64.32 per hour, illustrating the potential for upward mobility within this rewarding career path in Methuen.
About the Methuen 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) | $36.28 | $290.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.73 | $325.83 |
| Median (P50) | $48.32 | $386.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.98 | $455.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.32 | $514.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Methuen
Based on $48.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.32/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Methuen, MA can expect to earn approximately $100,516 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,990. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Methuen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Methuen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,932.99 | $8,376 | $100,516 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,159.80 | $5,026 | $60,309 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $773.20 | $3,351 | $40,206 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Methuen) | $48.32 |
| 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 Methuen, MA earn a median of $100,523 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.78% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $101,950.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.32/hr = $60,309/year (purchasing power: $55,585).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,516/year (purchasing power: $92,641).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Methuen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Methuen grew 18.1% from $39.70/hr (2019) to $46.89/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.80/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 Methuen 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 Methuen
Part-time occupational therapists working 24 hours a week can expect to earn substantially less than their full-time counterparts. While their hourly pay may be on par with industry standards, their overall earnings can fall noticeably short. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Methuen typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, with credentialed hand therapists able to earn between $80 and $110, especially in cash-pay practices. It’s common for travel OT contracts to offer weekly incomes of $1,800 to $2,800. Various employer types, from school districts to home health agencies, can impact hourly earnings. Although some therapists might accept lower rates for the benefits that come with full-time employment, others may opt for higher hourly pay without benefits. When negotiating pay, occupational therapists in Methuen should consider their unique circumstances and be prepared to discuss the total compensation package, including any benefits that could offset a lower hourly rate.
More salary data for Methuen, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Methuen in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Methuen?
Are occupational therapists in Methuen paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Methuen?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Methuen?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Methuen. 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 Methuen 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