Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Lawrence, MA: $57,569 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Lawrence, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,569 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawrence's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,059 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,653) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of occupational therapy assistance in Lawrence, Massachusetts can expect to see starting salaries around $57,569, a figure that reflects the lower end of the spectrum for this role. While this amount is significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $78,653, it sets a baseline for early-career earnings that can rise steadily with experience and further qualifications. As new COTAs advance in their careers, they can anticipate progression towards the 25th percentile earning of $67,710 within their first few years. Given Lawrence's relatively stable job market for healthcare professionals, it presents an encouraging opportunity for those just beginning their journey in occupational therapy.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lawrence
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 Lawrence
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Lawrence, MA typically start between $57,569 and $67,710 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,854 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,653 — 5.81% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $38,000 represents just 66.01% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($57,569/year) in Lawrence. 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 Lawrence
- 1Research the Lawrence market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $57,569 to $67,710, 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 Lawrence, 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 Lawrence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lawrence'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 Lawrence is $39,854 ( 69.23%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,569, experienced hygienists can earn up to $97,423.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,382
2025 BLS Actual
$55,996
2026 Current Est.
$57,569
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,382 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,959 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,906 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,135 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,929 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,210 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,996 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,569 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,187 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Lawrence, MA grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,382 in 2019 to $55,996 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,187. New graduates entering the Lawrence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Many employers in Lawrence actively recruit new graduates from accredited programs, particularly skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), which typically hire a large number of COTAs. School districts may also provide positions better suited for those looking for a work-life balance due to their schedule, offering summers off. Outpatient clinics tend to prefer more experienced COTAs, but they are willing to mentor fresh graduates, particularly in specialized areas such as pediatrics or hand therapy. Holding an associate degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, passing the NBCOT exam to earn the COTA credential, and obtaining state licensure are critical for enhancing viability in the job market. In the first three years, given factors such as the 15% cut in reimbursement for OTA services under Medicare, new grads should realistically expect gradual salary growth as they build experience, aiming for higher earning potential in a competitive and evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Lawrence, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Lawrence in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Lawrence?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Lawrence?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Lawrence?
How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in Massachusetts?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Lawrence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lawrence 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