OT Assistant Salary

Beverly vs Worcester: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Beverly, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Beverly, MA
$78,654
$37.81/hr
Worcester, MA
$78,722
$37.84/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBeverly, MAWorcester, MA
Median Salary$78,654$78,722
Hourly Rate$37.81$37.84
Entry Level (P10)$55,500$49,513
25th Percentile$68,950$62,961
75th Percentile$86,901$80,932
Top Earner (P90)$97,603$84,808
Total Employed8180
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Beverly ($78,654) and Worcester ($78,722) occupational therapy assistant salaries.BeverlyWorcesterMedian Salary$78,654$78,722Entry Level (P10)$55,500$49,513Top Earner (P90)$97,603$84,808US Median $74,332

Verdict

Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Beverly.

The salary gap between Beverly and Worcester is $68 (0.09%). Worcester's median is +5.91% compared to the US national median of $74,332.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Beverly spans $42,103,Worcester spans $35,295. Beverly has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Beverly
P10 (Entry)$55,500
P25$68,950
Median$78,654
P75$86,901
P90 (Top)$97,603
Worcester
P10 (Entry)$49,513
P25$62,961
Median$78,722
P75$80,932
P90 (Top)$84,808

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Worcester ($76,785 effective) pays 5.92% more than Beverly ($72,492 effective).

Beverly
Nominal: $78,654
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $72,492
Worcester
Nominal: $78,722
CoL Index: 102.523
Adjusted: $76,785

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Beverly if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($97,603)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Worcester if…

  • Higher median salary ($78,722/year)
  • Larger job market (180 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,785)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Beverly grew 0.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.4% growth in Worcester over the same period.

Beverly, MA

+0.4%

$76,186 (2024) → $76,504 (2025)

Worcester, MA

+24.4%

$61,530 (2019) → $76,570 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Beverly or Worcester?

Worcester has a higher median occupational therapy assistant salary at $78,722/year, compared to Beverly at $78,654/year — a difference of $68 (0.09%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Beverly and Worcester?

Beverly occupational therapy assistants earn $37.81/hr while Worcester hygienists earn $37.84/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Beverly to Worcester as a occupational therapy assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Beverly and Worcester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Beverly = $72,492, Worcester = $76,785), job availability (8 vs 180 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Beverly vs Worcester?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapy assistants earn $55,500 in Beverly and $49,513 in Worcester. The Beverly area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, COTA/LData verified by Samuel Chen, OTR/L

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov