Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Attleboro, MA: $57,520 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Attleboro, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,520 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Attleboro's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,014 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($76,832) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates in Attleboro, Massachusetts, the entry-level occupational therapy assistant salary is projected to start around $57,520 in 2026. This initial pay point is significantly lower than the median annual salary for occupational therapy assistants in the city, which is $76,832, indicating a substantial gap that early-career professionals will need to bridge. However, over the first few years, there is potential for growth as entry-level salaries increase towards the 25th percentile mark of $66,880. Given the positive job outlook and a projected annual growth rate of 2.81%, Attleboro presents a promising job market for new COTAs seeking to establish their careers in the field.
About the Attleboro Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Attleboro
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Attleboro
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Attleboro, MA typically start between $57,520 and $66,880 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,880 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $76,832 — 3.36% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $38,000 represents just 66.06% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($57,520/year) in Attleboro. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school settings.
OTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Attleboro
- 1Research the Attleboro market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $57,520 to $66,880, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Attleboro, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Attleboro for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Attleboro's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Compensation Range
The occupational therapy assistant wage spread in Attleboro is $36,880 ( 64.12%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,520, experienced hygienists can earn up to $94,400.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,343
2025 BLS Actual
$55,948
2026 Current Est.
$57,520
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Attleboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,343 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,919 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,863 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,091 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,884 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,165 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,948 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,520 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,136 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Attleboro, MA grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,343 in 2019 to $55,948 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,136. New graduates entering the Attleboro job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Attleboro 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 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Attleboro
In terms of employment opportunities, a variety of employers in Attleboro are well-suited for recent graduates. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are particularly receptive to hiring new COTA graduates, and school districts often provide attractive summer-off schedules, which may appeal to some new hires. While outpatient clinics tend to favor experienced candidates, they do offer training for new graduates specializing in pediatric or hand-therapy support. To enhance their starting pay, new graduates should ensure they hold an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, pass the NBCOT national exam to obtain the COTA credential, and obtain their state OTA license. With the 15% Medicare Part B cut implemented in 2022, which has affected the pay structure in SNFs and outpatient settings, salary expectations should be cautiously optimistic during the first few years in the field. As COTAs work under supervision from licensed occupational therapists in compliance with state and Medicare regulations, those who utilize COTA-to-MOT bridge pathways could find even greater advancement opportunities down the line.
More salary data for Attleboro, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Attleboro in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Attleboro?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Attleboro?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Attleboro?
How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in Massachusetts?
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Attleboro. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Attleboro 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 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
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