Occupational Therapist Salary in Somerville, MA: $103,354 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Somerville, MA earns a median $103,354/year (≈ $49.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Somerville's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $95,257 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the expected earnings for an occupational therapist salary in Somerville, Massachusetts, are projected at $103,354. This figure positions local therapists slightly below the national median of $103,400, reflecting a competitive environment with a salary range extending from $74,042 in the 10th percentile to up to $133,290 in the 90th percentile. Estimates are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, taking into consideration the regional cost of living adjustments. This local market offers potential for specialized growth, especially for those with advanced credentials such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation, which is known to command higher compensation.
About the Somerville Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,042 | $35.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,367 | $40.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,354 | $49.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $119,060 | $57.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $133,290 | $64.08 |
Median Salary Position
0.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Somerville
In Somerville, MA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,248 (2026 est.). At $103,354, the local median is 0.04% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Somerville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Somerville Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Somerville median: $103,354/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Somerville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $101,927 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | -0.04% less |
Occupational Therapists in Somerville, MA earn a median of $103,354 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.04% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.40% above the Massachusetts state average of $101,927.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Somerville has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Somerville, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $103,354 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $95,257 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,912
2025 BLS Actual
$100,285
2026 Current Est.
$103,354
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Somerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,912 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,241 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,532 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,138 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,327 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,581 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,285 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,354 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,516 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Somerville metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $84,912 (2019) to $100,285 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,516 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,604 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Somerville 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) | $74,042 – $84,367 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,367 – $103,354 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,354 – $119,060 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $119,060 – $133,290 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Somerville
Employment opportunities for occupational therapists in Somerville are robust, with around 20 professionals currently in the area, contributing to a well-established job market. However, the cost of living index stands at 108.5, indicating that while salaries are decent, purchasing power may be constrained. Different healthcare settings also vary in their pay scales; hospitals generally offer higher wages compared to skilled nursing facilities or school contracts. Factors influencing salary ranges include workplace setting, productivity expectations, and seasonal contract variations. For those aiming to maximize their occupational therapist pay in Somerville, pursuing specialty certifications like CHT and seeking employment in rehabilitation hospitals or specialized clinics could lead to the best financial outcomes, especially as the demand for specialized therapy services continues to grow.
More salary data for Somerville, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Somerville, MA in 2026?
Is Somerville, MA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Somerville?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Somerville?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Somerville?
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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 $100,285 for occupational therapistsin the Somerville 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 Somerville 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