Senior Occupational Therapist Salary in Plymouth, MA: $134,725 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapists working in Plymouth, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $134,725/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1122. Strip back Plymouth's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $124,171 in average-cost America. The 31% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plymouth, Massachusetts, experienced occupational therapists are set to earn a competitive median annual salary of $102,659 in 2026. Senior professionals in this field can reach top-tier earnings, with the salary range extending up to $134,725. This capacity for high compensation reflects the experience premium typically associated with senior occupational therapist roles, where those with over seven years of experience find themselves significantly above the median, leading to enhanced career opportunities. The potential for elevating one’s salary hinges on a combination of advanced professional development, including relevant specializations and certifications, which are critical for those aiming for the highest pay in Plymouth's market.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plymouth
Experienced occupational therapists at the top of the pay scale in Plymouth earn between $119,659 and $134,725 per year (2026 est.). This $62,310 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Plymouth median of $102,659 sits 0.72% below the US median.
Top OT, OTR Salary Comparison
| Level | Plymouth | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $102,659 | $103,400 |
| 75th Percentile | $119,659 | $120,240 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $134,725 | $135,988 |
In Plymouth, experienced occupational therapists (P90) earn 31.24% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Occupational Therapist Pay in Plymouth
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA occupational therapists with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $102,659 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Plymouth employers.
Specialty Focus
Occupational Therapists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Plymouth command premium compensation, often reaching the $119,659–$134,725 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Plymouth metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced occupational therapists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured occupational therapists in Plymouth with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Occupational Therapists in Massachusetts who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Occupational Therapist Career & Wage Growth Path in Plymouth
Clinical Occupational Therapist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapist
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPlymouth ranks #10 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner occupational therapist salary (90th percentile: $134,725).
Top 10% occupational therapist compensation in Plymouth ($134,725) is 2.53% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($131,399).
2019 BLS Actual
$120,362
2025 BLS Actual
$130,725
2026 Current Est.
$134,725
2019–2027 Growth
+15.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $120,362 | Actual |
| 2020 | $121,531 | Actual |
| 2021 | $122,690 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,720 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,417 | Actual |
| 2024 | $138,159 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,725 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,725 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,848 | Projected |
Top-earning occupational therapists (90th percentile) in Plymouth saw their compensation grow 8.6% from $120,362 in 2019 to $130,725 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.06% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $138,848 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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.
Maximizing Your Occupational Therapist Earnings in Plymouth
To further dissect the nuances of senior occupational therapist pay in MA, specific areas of expertise such as hand therapy (CHT) and pediatric occupational therapy (BCP) are known to command substantial premiums. Additionally, compensation can vary significantly across different employment settings, with skilled nursing facilities and hospitals often offering more lucrative packages than outpatient clinics or school systems. Leadership or advanced roles—like becoming a rehab director or clinic owner—offer paths that can enhance financial growth even further. Pursuing advanced degrees, such as a Master’s or Doctorate from an ACOTE-accredited program, alongside essential credentials like the NBCOT certification, can serve as lucrative stepping stones. Non-salary factors also play a part, with working conditions, productivity expectations, and benefits influencing overall compensation dynamics for senior occupational therapists in Plymouth.
More salary data for Plymouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapists make in Plymouth in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapist pay in Plymouth?
What certifications boost occupational therapist salary in Plymouth?
Can experienced occupational therapists make six figures in Plymouth?
How much does occupational therapist salary increase over time in Plymouth?
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $130,725 for occupational therapists in the Plymouth metro area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth 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