Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Leominster, MA: $56,855 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Leominster, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,855 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Leominster's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,401 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($76,550) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For newly minted occupational therapy assistants in Leominster, Massachusetts, the starting pay in 2026 is projected to be approximately $56,855. While this entry-level figure might be lower than the city's median annual salary of $76,550, there's room for growth. Over the first few years, early-career professionals may expect their salaries to rise steadily, moving to around $64,599 within a few years as they gain experience and skills. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.81%, the Leominster job market presents a reasonable opportunity for new graduates seeking to enter the workforce. Overall, 2026 appears to be a favorable year for entry-level occupational therapy assistant positions in the area, offering competitive wages compared to other locations in Massachusetts.
About the Leominster Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Leominster
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 Leominster
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Leominster, MA typically start between $56,855 and $64,599 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,908 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $76,550 — 2.98% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $38,000 represents just 66.84% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($56,855/year) in Leominster. 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 Leominster
- 1Research the Leominster market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $56,855 to $64,599, 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 Leominster, 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 Leominster for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Leominster'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 Leominster is $33,908 ( 59.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,855, experienced hygienists can earn up to $90,763.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,819
2025 BLS Actual
$55,301
2026 Current Est.
$56,855
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Leominster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,819 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,376 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,275 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,488 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,272 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,519 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,301 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,855 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,453 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Leominster, MA grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,819 in 2019 to $55,301 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,453. New graduates entering the Leominster job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leominster 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 Leominster
Occupational therapy assistants in Leominster often find entry-level opportunities in various healthcare settings. Skilled nursing facilities (SNF) are among the primary employers of new graduates, offering hands-on experience that is essential for career development. Local school districts also present viable options, especially for those who enjoy a work-life balance, as many offer schedules that align with the school year. Outpatient clinics usually lean towards hiring experienced occupational therapy assistants but may provide training for new hires interested in specialized areas like pediatrics or hand therapy. To enhance their starting occupational therapy assistant salary in Leominster, candidates should focus on obtaining an Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, passing the NBCOT exam for accreditation, and securing state licensure. Despite the 15% cut in Medicare Part B reimbursements for OTA services implemented in 2022, new graduates can still expect a reasonable salary increase over their initial years as they navigate their career pathways, particularly if they remain proactive in acquiring experience and continuing education.
More salary data for Leominster, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Leominster in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Leominster?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Leominster?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Leominster?
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 Leominster. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Leominster 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