Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Braintree, MA: $59,681 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Braintree, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,681 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Braintree's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,006 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($77,840) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Braintree, Massachusetts, new graduates entering the field as occupational therapy assistants can expect an entry-level salary starting at around $59,681 in 2026. This figure represents the lowest 10% of salaries, which contrasts with the city’s median salary of $77,840, revealing a significant gap. Over the course of the first three to five years in the profession, salary growth is achievable as new COTAs work toward earning $68,979 by the 25th percentile and progress towards the median. Braintree currently provides a viable job market for freshly minted graduates, especially given its competitive pay relative to the national average, which sits at $74,332. As the occupational therapy assistant field continues to grow at an annual rate of 2.81%, now is a promising time for newcomers to establish their careers in this region.
About the Braintree Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Braintree
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 Braintree
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Braintree, MA typically start between $59,681 and $68,979 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,340 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $77,840 — 4.72% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $38,000 represents just 63.67% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($59,681/year) in Braintree. 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 Braintree
- 1Research the Braintree market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $59,681 to $68,979, 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 Braintree, 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 Braintree for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Braintree'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 Braintree is $35,340 ( 59.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,681, experienced hygienists can earn up to $95,021.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$47,047
2025 BLS Actual
$58,050
2026 Current Est.
$59,681
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Braintree (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,047 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,681 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,774 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,048 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,871 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,265 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,050 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,681 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,358 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Braintree, MA grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $47,047 in 2019 to $58,050 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,358. New graduates entering the Braintree job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Braintree 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 Braintree
Employers in Braintree that typically hire new graduates include skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), which offer a wealth of opportunities as they often seek assistance in rehabilitation services. Some school districts also provide job openings for COTAs, particularly those who appreciate a summer-off schedule. However, outpatient clinics may prefer candidates with experience but are willing to take on and train new grads in specific therapeutic areas, such as pediatric or hand therapy. To enhance starting pay, it's essential for new COTAs to hold an Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program and pass the NBCOT national exam to obtain the COTA credential, along with securing a state OTA license. Given the context of lower reimbursement rates following the 15% cut to Medicare Part B services introduced in 2022, new graduates should anticipate gradual salary increments during their first three years, especially with additional certifications or specializations from the AOTA. A strategic approach to career development during these early years will greatly impact their professional growth in the competitive landscape of occupational therapy in Braintree, MA.
More salary data for Braintree, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Braintree in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Braintree?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Braintree?
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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 Braintree. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Braintree 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