Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Medford, MA: $59,914 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Medford, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,914 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Medford's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,220 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,694) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Prospective occupational therapy assistants entering the job market in Medford, Massachusetts, can anticipate a starting salary around $59,914 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $79,694, indicating an immediate gap that new graduates will experience as they embark on their careers. However, entry-level professionals can realistically expect their earnings to increase within the first few years. With dedication and experience, many find their wages climbing gradually through associated tiers, including the 25th percentile at approximately $69,853. Given Medford's competitive healthcare environment, it presents a conducive market for new graduates exploring opportunities in occupational therapy.
About the Medford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Medford
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 Medford
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Medford, MA typically start between $59,914 and $69,853 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,673 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,694 — 7.21% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $38,000 represents just 63.42% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($59,914/year) in Medford. 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 Medford
- 1Research the Medford market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $59,914 to $69,853, 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 Medford, 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 Medford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Medford'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 Medford is $40,673 ( 67.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,914, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,587.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$47,230
2025 BLS Actual
$58,276
2026 Current Est.
$59,914
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,230 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,871 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,979 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,258 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,084 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,485 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,276 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,914 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,597 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Medford, MA grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $47,230 in 2019 to $58,276 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,597. New graduates entering the Medford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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 Medford
Several employers in Medford actively recruit newly minted occupational therapy assistants, notably skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) that frequently hire graduates to support rehabilitation efforts. School districts can offer a unique work-life balance, providing the option of summer vacations, while outpatient clinics may favor experienced practitioners yet often extend training opportunities to new grads in specific therapeutic areas like pediatrics and hand therapy. To optimize starting pay in Massachusetts, candidates should secure an Associate’s degree from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, pass the NBCOT national exam for COTA credentialing, and obtain a state OTA license. New professionals should also be aware of the 15% cut in Medicare Part B for OTA-provided services that commenced in 2022, which has implications for compensation in SNFs and outpatient settings. With determination and strategic career planning, it is realistic for entry-level COTAs to experience incremental salary growth in their initial years, even with the current market challenges in Medford.
More salary data for Medford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Medford in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Medford?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Medford?
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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 Medford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Medford 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