Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Andover, MA: $36.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Andover, MA runs $36.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,363 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Andover's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,818 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Andover, Massachusetts, the projected hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant is $36.71, slightly exceeding the national median of $35.74. This competitive hourly rate is advantageous for part-time workers, often employed three days a week, allowing them to balance work and other commitments while still earning a reliable income. In various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and school therapy rooms, occupational therapy assistants have an hourly pay range from $27.16 for entry-level positions to $43.47 for experienced professionals. With these figures derived from annual salary data, it's clear that COTAs in Andover have a promising financial landscape ahead as they help improve patient outcomes in their communities.
About the Andover Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.16 | $217.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.69 | $253.49 |
| Median (P50) | $36.71 | $293.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.29 | $314.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.47 | $347.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Andover
Based on $36.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.71/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Andover, MA can expect to earn approximately $76,364 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,056. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Andover.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Andover
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,468.54 | $6,364 | $76,364 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $881.12 | $3,818 | $45,818 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $587.42 | $2,545 | $30,546 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Andover) | $36.71 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Andover, MA earn a median of $76,363 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.73% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 5.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,637.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.71/hr = $45,818/year (purchasing power: $42,229).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,364/year (purchasing power: $70,382).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Andover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Andover grew 17.5% from $30.38/hr (2019) to $35.71/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.75/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Andover 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Andover
The earning potential for part-time occupational therapy assistants in Andover can vary significantly when compared to full-time positions. A 24-hour workweek translates to roughly $45,979 annually for part-time assistants, contrasting with the full-time earning potential. For those seeking flexibility through per-diem arrangements, agency COTAs typically bill between $30 and $45 per hour, influenced by the type of contracts available, especially in light of the 15% Medicare cut that has affected reimbursement rates since 2022. Employment settings also play a crucial role in determining hourly pay; skilled nursing facilities and hospital rehabilitation units often offer different rates than school districts or early intervention programs. COTAs often face a trade-off in their pay structures; higher hourly rates may come with less job security or fewer benefits. For those negotiating hourly rates, it’s advisable to research local pay standards and understand the value of benefits versus cash pay, ensuring they secure a package that aligns with their personal financial goals while making a meaningful impact in their patients' lives.
More salary data for Andover, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Andover in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Andover?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Andover paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Andover?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Andover?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Andover. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Andover 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