Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Chicopee, MA: $38.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Chicopee, MA runs $38.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,243 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Chicopee's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,141 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Chicopee, Massachusetts, can expect a median hourly pay of $38.57 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $35.74. This hourly rate opens opportunities for both part-time and per-diem work across various settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and schools. A part-time COTA working three days a week can find a sustainable income, while per-diem workers can choose flexible hours tailored to their schedule, with compensation that allows for a diverse working experience. In Chicopee, starting wages run as low as $26.38 per hour for entry-level positions, while those at the top of their game can command up to $49.32, reflecting a competitive pay scale that accommodates a range of experience levels.
About the Chicopee 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) | $26.38 | $211.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.82 | $254.56 |
| Median (P50) | $38.57 | $308.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.79 | $334.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.32 | $394.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chicopee
Based on $38.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.57/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chicopee, MA can expect to earn approximately $80,235 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,289. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chicopee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chicopee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,542.97 | $6,686 | $80,235 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $925.78 | $4,012 | $48,141 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $617.19 | $2,674 | $32,094 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Chicopee) | $38.57 |
| 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 Chicopee, MA earn a median of $80,243 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.95% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,646.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.57/hr = $48,141/year (purchasing power: $44,369).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,235/year (purchasing power: $73,949).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Chicopee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Chicopee grew 17.5% from $31.92/hr (2019) to $37.52/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.66/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 Chicopee 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 Chicopee
In analyzing the potential earnings, a part-time occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week would bring home a gross annual income significantly different than a full-time counterpart, allowing for a work-life balance that may be attractive. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Chicopee typically falls within the range of $30 to $45 per hour, and travel contracts can vary widely, often yielding $1,100 to $1,700 on a weekly basis. However, it is important to note that economic shifts, such as the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut, have impacted pay scales in skilled nursing and outpatient settings. Hourly rates also differ depending on the employer; for example, school districts may offer more stable work hours but at lower pay compared to fast-paced home health agencies or inpatient rehabilitation facilities. When negotiating hourly rates, COTAs should consider the benefits package offered by employers, as accepting a lower hourly wage may provide valuable health insurance and job security, while higher hourly pay may come with less stability.
More salary data for Chicopee, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Chicopee in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Chicopee?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Chicopee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Chicopee?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Chicopee?
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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 Chicopee. 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 Chicopee 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