Occupational Therapist Salary in Massachusetts: $103,859 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Massachusetts's 59 metropolitan areas, the average median occupational therapist pay sits at $103,859/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1122. Because Massachusetts sits at BEA RPP 108.5 (9% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $95,723 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Barnstable Town ($102,900), Boston ($101,940), Lynn ($101,615).
In 2026, occupational therapists in Massachusetts are projected to earn an average median salary of $103,859, which is slightly higher than the national median of $103,400, reflecting a 0.4% increase compared to the national figure. The highest paying city in the state is Barnstable Town, with a salary of $106,049, while the lowest is Andover, where the average salary is $96,541, indicating a salary gap of $9,508 between these locations. This variation is influenced by factors such as the cost of living, demand for occupational therapy services, and local healthcare funding. Occupational therapists in Massachusetts must navigate specific state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws, which can vary and impact employment opportunities. Demand for therapists is driven by an aging population and increased emphasis on rehabilitation services. The total employment for occupational therapists in the state is projected at 6,917, with an annual growth rate of 3.06%, reflecting the steady demand for services. Major cities such as Boston ($105,059), Lynn ($104,724), Newton ($104,214), and Somerville ($103,354) also show strong salary prospects and job availability, contributing to a positive outlook for professionals in this field over the coming years.
Massachusetts Occupational Therapist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Massachusetts: $63,980 (lowest entry-level) to $140,462 (highest top earner)
Massachusetts vs National Average
Massachusetts occupational therapists earn 0.44% more than the national median (+$459/year difference).
Massachusetts Occupational Therapist Salary Distribution (2026)
Occupational Therapist salaries in Massachusetts range from $74,636 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $131,399 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $103,859. The Massachusetts median is $459 above the US national median of $103,400. The average hourly rate is $49.93/hr. Approximately 6,917 occupational therapists are employed across 59 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$86,575
2025 BLS Actual
$100,775
2026 Current Est.
$103,859
2019–2027 Growth
+23.6%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Massachusetts (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,575 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,292 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,178 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,423 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,160 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,374 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,775 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,859 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,037 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Massachusetts metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 16.4% from $86,575 (2019) to $100,775 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $107,037 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,462 (23.63%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Massachusetts 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Massachusetts
Lowest Paying Cities in Massachusetts
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Andover | $96,541 |
| Leominster | $96,780 |
| Wellesley | $96,866 |
| Chelmsford | $96,922 |
| Woburn | $97,008 |
Best Value Cities for Occupational Therapists in Massachusetts
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Massachusetts cities offer the most purchasing power for occupational therapists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town | $106,049 | 98.351 | $107,827 |
| Pittsfield | $98,752 | 95.106 | $103,834 |
| Springfield | $99,401 | 96.061 | $103,477 |
| Amherst Town | $102,617 | 100.243 | $102,368 |
| Worcester | $101,308 | 102.523 | $98,815 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $74,636 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $103,859 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $131,399 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Massachusetts metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 59 Cities in Massachusetts
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barnstable Town | $106,049 |
| 2 | Boston | $105,059 |
| 3 | Lynn | $104,724 |
| 4 | Newton | $104,214 |
| 5 | Somerville | $103,354 |
| 6 | Revere | $103,192 |
| 7 | Brockton | $102,837 |
| 8 | New Bedford | $102,723 |
| 9 | Plymouth | $102,659 |
| 10 | Amherst Town | $102,617 |
| 11 | Cambridge | $102,551 |
| 12 | Malden | $102,287 |
| 13 | Haverhill | $102,272 |
| 14 | Lowell | $102,245 |
| 15 | Framingham | $102,198 |
| 16 | Peabody | $102,061 |
| 17 | Weymouth | $101,754 |
| 18 | Chicopee | $101,447 |
| 19 | Randolph | $101,337 |
| 20 | Worcester | $101,308 |
| 21 | Northampton | $101,259 |
| 22 | Quincy | $101,158 |
| 23 | Amherst | $101,036 |
| 24 | Chelsea | $101,028 |
| 25 | Medford | $100,754 |
| 26 | Fall River | $100,656 |
| 27 | Marlborough | $100,656 |
| 28 | Watertown | $100,640 |
| 29 | Fitchburg | $100,561 |
| 30 | Methuen | $100,523 |
| 31 | Taunton | $100,478 |
| 32 | Arlington | $100,442 |
| 33 | Needham | $100,182 |
| 34 | Westfield | $100,134 |
| 35 | Everett | $100,118 |
| 36 | Holyoke | $99,603 |
| 37 | Beverly | $99,437 |
| 38 | Lawrence | $99,436 |
| 39 | Springfield | $99,401 |
| 40 | Dartmouth | $99,319 |
| 41 | Waltham | $99,219 |
| 42 | Barnstable | $99,113 |
| 43 | Brookline | $98,895 |
| 44 | Pittsfield | $98,752 |
| 45 | Billerica | $98,742 |
| 46 | Braintree | $98,409 |
| 47 | Salem | $98,243 |
| 48 | Natick | $98,179 |
| 49 | Dracut | $97,665 |
| 50 | Lexington | $97,602 |
| 51 | Stoughton | $97,602 |
| 52 | Shrewsbury | $97,475 |
| 53 | Franklin | $97,214 |
| 54 | Attleboro | $97,135 |
| 55 | Woburn | $97,008 |
| 56 | Chelmsford | $96,922 |
| 57 | Wellesley | $96,866 |
| 58 | Leominster | $96,780 |
| 59 | Andover | $96,541 |
More Massachusetts Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore occupational therapist hourly pay in Massachusetts cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced occupational therapists.
Compare Cities in Massachusetts
View all comparisons →Explore More Occupational Therapist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Massachusetts in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for occupational therapists in Massachusetts?
How does Massachusetts occupational therapist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in Massachusetts?
How many occupational therapists are employed in Massachusetts?
Which Massachusetts city offers the best value for occupational therapists?
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
Statewide salary 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 each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 occupational therapist compensation across Massachusetts. State averages are employment-weighted across 59 metro areas — larger metro areas with more occupational therapistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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