Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Plymouth, MA: $57,086 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Plymouth, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,086 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,614 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($81,201) 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 Plymouth can expect a starting salary around $57,086, which represents the lower end of the salary spectrum for the profession. While this amount is below the city’s projected median of $81,201, the potential for career advancement is significant. Typically, as professionals gain experience and skills, they may find their salaries increase towards the 25th percentile at $68,142 and potentially reach the median level within their first 3 to 5 years. Plymouth is currently viewed as a favorable market for entry-level occupational therapy assistants due to a growing demand in rehabilitation services, suggesting optimistic job prospects for recent graduates.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plymouth
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 Plymouth
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Plymouth, MA typically start between $57,086 and $68,142 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,520 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $81,201 — 9.24% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $38,000 represents just 66.57% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($57,086/year) in Plymouth. 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 Plymouth
- 1Research the Plymouth market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $57,086 to $68,142, 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 Plymouth, 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 Plymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Plymouth'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 Plymouth is $43,520 ( 76.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,086, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,606.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,001
2025 BLS Actual
$55,526
2026 Current Est.
$57,086
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,001 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,565 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,479 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,698 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,485 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,756 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,526 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,086 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,690 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Plymouth, MA grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,001 in 2019 to $55,526 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,690. New graduates entering the Plymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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 Plymouth
New occupational therapy assistants in Plymouth often find employment opportunities at skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), which are known for hiring recent graduates. School districts also represent a viable option for entry-level COTAs, offering schedules that often align well with academic calendars. Outpatient clinics tend to prefer candidates with experience but may be willing to provide training in specialized areas such as pediatric or hand therapy. To enhance starting pay and career prospects, obtaining an Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, passing the NBCOT exam for COTA credentials, and securing a state license are essential steps. In light of the 15% Medicare cut for OTA-provided services that took effect in 2022, many COTAs may experience wage pressure, particularly in SNF settings. As such, new graduates should plan for a gradual salary progression in the early years, typically moving closer to broader averages as they build their expertise and navigate the realities of an evolving healthcare landscape in Massachusetts.
More salary data for Plymouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Plymouth in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Plymouth?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Plymouth?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Plymouth?
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 Plymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth 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