Occupational Therapist Salary in Shrewsbury, MA: $97,475 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Shrewsbury, MA earns a median $97,475/year (≈ $46.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Shrewsbury's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $89,839 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.4% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for occupational therapists in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, is projected to reach $97,475, slightly lower than the national median of $103,400. Those starting in entry-level positions can expect to earn around $73,868, while the top 10% of earners may see salaries as high as $127,594. This data, derived from 2025 BLS estimates adjusted for regional cost of living, highlights a competitive landscape for occupational therapy practitioners in the area. The presence of specialty certifications, particularly the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, can significantly enhance earning potential, given the city's growing demand for specialized care in settings such as outpatient hand therapy clinics and rehabilitation programs.
About the Shrewsbury Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,868 | $35.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,176 | $39.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $97,475 | $46.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114,038 | $54.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127,594 | $61.34 |
Median Salary Position
5.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Shrewsbury
In Shrewsbury, MA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,726 (2026 est.). At $97,475, the local median is 5.73% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Shrewsbury: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Shrewsbury Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Shrewsbury median: $97,475/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Shrewsbury Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $101,961 | -4.40% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -5.73% less |
Occupational Therapists in Shrewsbury, MA earn a median of $97,475 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.73% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $101,961.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Shrewsbury has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Shrewsbury, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $97,475 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $89,839 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$80,082
2025 BLS Actual
$94,581
2026 Current Est.
$97,475
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Shrewsbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,082 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,336 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,667 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,841 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,848 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,576 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,581 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,475 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,458 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Shrewsbury metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $80,082 (2019) to $94,581 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,458 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,376 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shrewsbury 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) | $73,868 – $82,176 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,176 – $97,475 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $97,475 – $114,038 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $114,038 – $127,594 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Shrewsbury
The local job market for occupational therapists in Shrewsbury shows modest engagement with just six professionals currently employed in the field. With a cost-of-living index at 108.5, salaries in the region may be pushed upward due to the higher expenses associated with living in Massachusetts. Amongst the various employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer lower compensation compared to hospital inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient therapy clinics. Factors contributing to the salary range include the setting—hospital roles generally provide higher pay—along with additional elements like productivity expectations, board-certification premiums, and the impact of Medicare reimbursement rates on skilled nursing practices. To maximize their earning potential, occupational therapists in Shrewsbury should consider pursuing advanced certifications like the CHT and seek opportunities in higher-paying facilities, as well as negotiating contracts that span the school year to maintain income stability.
More salary data for Shrewsbury, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Shrewsbury, MA in 2026?
Is Shrewsbury, MA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Shrewsbury?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Shrewsbury?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Shrewsbury?
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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 $94,581 for occupational therapistsin the Shrewsbury 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 Shrewsbury 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