Occupational Therapist Salary in Fitchburg, MA: $100,561 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Fitchburg, MA earns a median $100,561/year (≈ $48.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Fitchburg's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $92,683 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fitchburg, Massachusetts, the projected median annual salary for an occupational therapist in 2026 stands at $100,561, which is slightly below the national median of $103,400. The local salary range varies considerably, with the bottom ten percent earning approximately $73,089 and the top ten percent earning up to $127,716. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic factors. The Medicare cuts that affected skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and outpatient therapy have reverberated throughout the field, influencing compensation structures and potentially leading to tighter budgets for organizations reliant on Medicare reimbursements. Consequently, job seekers in the area may find that employers are adjusting their pay scales to maintain competitiveness in this changing environment.
About the Fitchburg Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,089 | $35.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,474 | $39.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,561 | $48.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $115,565 | $55.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127,716 | $61.40 |
Median Salary Position
2.75% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fitchburg
In Fitchburg, MA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,627 (2026 est.). At $100,561, the local median is 2.75% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Fitchburg: You'd be above the median
How Fitchburg Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Fitchburg median: $100,561/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fitchburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $101,989 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -2.75% less |
Occupational Therapists in Fitchburg, MA earn a median of $100,561 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.75% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $101,989.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fitchburg has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fitchburg, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $100,561 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $92,683 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,617
2025 BLS Actual
$97,575
2026 Current Est.
$100,561
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Fitchburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,617 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,911 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,621 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,724 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,729 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,575 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,561 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,638 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fitchburg metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $82,617 (2019) to $97,575 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,638 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,021 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fitchburg 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $73,089 – $82,474 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,474 – $100,561 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,561 – $115,565 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $115,565 – $127,716 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Fitchburg
As of now, there are about 10 occupational therapists employed in Fitchburg, reflecting a concentrated job market for this profession. However, the cost of living index is notably high at 108.5, which can impact disposable income and purchasing power for those in the field. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities generally offer lower pay compared to hospital inpatient rehab and outpatient settings, where occupational therapists can earn higher wages. Variances in salary can also stem from factors such as specialty certifications—particularly the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential that is highly sought after—productivity expectations, and contract types, with those in year-round roles typically bringing home more than their school-year counterparts. Therapists aiming to maximize their occupational therapist pay in Fitchburg MA should consider pursuing additional certifications, seeking opportunities in higher-paying settings, or leveraging their experience by negotiating for better compensation in their current roles.
More salary data for Fitchburg, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Fitchburg, MA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Fitchburg?
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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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $97,575 for occupational therapistsin the Fitchburg metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fitchburg 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