Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Peabody, MA: $55,989 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Peabody, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $55,989 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Peabody's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,603 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,728) 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 Peabody, Massachusetts can expect a starting salary around $55,989, which is significantly lower than the overall city median salary of $80,728. However, this entry-level pay serves as a foundation for growth, as COTAs can look forward to increased earnings over the first few years of their careers. By striving for positions that offer competitive benefits and training, such as those in skilled nursing facilities or other healthcare settings, new grads can anticipate reaching the 25th percentile salary of $70,249 within a few years, positioning themselves for further financial advancement as they gain more experience and refine their skills in the field.
About the Peabody Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Peabody
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 Peabody
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Peabody, MA typically start between $55,989 and $70,249 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,996 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,728 — 8.6% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $38,000 represents just 67.87% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($55,989/year) in Peabody. 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 Peabody
- 1Research the Peabody market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $55,989 to $70,249, 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 Peabody, 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 Peabody for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Peabody'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 Peabody is $47,996 ( 85.72%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $55,989, experienced hygienists can earn up to $103,985.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,136
2025 BLS Actual
$54,459
2026 Current Est.
$55,989
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Peabody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,136 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,670 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,509 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,704 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,476 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,691 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,459 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,989 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,563 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Peabody, MA grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,136 in 2019 to $54,459 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,563. New graduates entering the Peabody job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peabody 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 Peabody
For fresh graduates in Peabody, it's essential to target employers that actively recruit entry-level occupational therapy assistants. Skilled nursing facilities typically hire many new COTA grads, and local school districts offer desirable summer breaks, making them attractive options. Outpatient clinics may prefer experienced COTAs but often provide training opportunities for those willing to specialize in areas like pediatric or hand therapy support. To increase starting pay in MA, new graduates should ensure they have graduated from an ACOTE-accredited program and obtained their COTA credential through the NBCOT. Additionally, understanding the implications of the 15% Medicare Part B cut for OTA services can inform salary negotiations and career pathways. In the early years, realistic expectations for salary growth in this sector suggest that dedicated individuals could see steady increases, particularly as they work under OT supervision and enhance their skills within a challenging but rewarding environment.
More salary data for Peabody, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Peabody in 2026?
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Is occupational therapy school worth it in Peabody?
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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 Peabody. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Peabody 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