Occupational Therapist Salary in New Bedford, MA: $102,723 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in New Bedford, MA earns a median $102,723/year (≈ $49.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in New Bedford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $94,676 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists in New Bedford, Massachusetts, can expect a median annual salary of $102,723, which closely aligns with the national median of $103,400. Salary estimates range from $75,950 at the 10th percentile to $133,415 at the 90th percentile, indicating a healthy earning potential within this profession. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to reflect the regional economic landscape and the cost of living in New Bedford, where the local index currently sits at 108.5. Occupational therapists can particularly benefit from attaining the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation, which typically commands a premium in compensation and may further enhance an individual's marketability in a competitive job environment.
About the New Bedford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,950 | $36.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,906 | $41.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,723 | $49.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $118,495 | $56.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $133,415 | $64.14 |
Median Salary Position
0.65% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Bedford
In New Bedford, MA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,465 (2026 est.). At $102,723, the local median is 0.65% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in New Bedford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How New Bedford Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
New Bedford median: $102,723/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | New Bedford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $102,009 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | -0.65% less |
Occupational Therapists in New Bedford, MA earn a median of $102,723 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.65% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $102,009.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
New Bedford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
New Bedford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $102,723 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $94,676 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$92,790
2025 BLS Actual
$99,673
2026 Current Est.
$102,723
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92,790 | Actual |
| 2020 | $90,100 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,080 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,400 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $104,936 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,673 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,723 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,866 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Bedford metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 7.4% from $92,790 (2019) to $99,673 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $105,866 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,076 (14.09%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Bedford 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) | $75,950 – $85,906 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,906 – $102,723 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,723 – $118,495 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $118,495 – $133,415 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in New Bedford
Looking at the local job market, New Bedford is home to approximately 24 occupational therapists, suggesting a concentrated community for professionals in the field. The cost of living is above the national average, impacting the take-home purchasing power for those earning within the occupational therapist pay spectrum in New Bedford, MA. Among potential employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers tend to offer higher salaries compared to outpatient clinics or school districts. Factors contributing to the wide salary range include work settings—where hospital roles generally yield higher pay than schools or skilled nursing—along with additional stipends for board certifications like CHT. Productivity expectations and contract type, whether school-year-based or year-round, also affect earning potential. Occupational therapists looking to maximize their salary in New Bedford should consider pursuing specialties or certifications and exploring various employment settings that align with their career goals.
More salary data for New Bedford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in New Bedford, MA in 2026?
Is New Bedford, MA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in New Bedford?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in New Bedford?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in New Bedford?
Related Pages
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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 $99,673 for occupational therapistsin the New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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