Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Everett, MA: $38.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Everett, MA runs $38.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,191 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Everett's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,512 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Everett, Massachusetts, the expected hourly compensation for an occupational therapy assistant is projected to be $38.07 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $35.74. This payout opens opportunities for both part-time and per-diem work, allowing professionals to engage in varied settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. For those working part-time—say three days a week—this hourly rate translates to a reliable income while maintaining flexibility. Entry-level positions can expect to earn around $27.25, while experienced professionals may command rates as high as $47.66 per hour. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary data, providing a comprehensive view of the financial landscape for occupational therapy assistants in Everett, MA.
About the Everett 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) | $27.25 | $218.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.22 | $257.77 |
| Median (P50) | $38.07 | $304.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.16 | $321.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.66 | $381.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Everett
Based on $38.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.07/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Everett, MA can expect to earn approximately $79,187 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,685. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Everett.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Everett
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,522.82 | $6,599 | $79,187 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $913.69 | $3,959 | $47,512 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $609.13 | $2,640 | $31,675 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Everett) | $38.07 |
| 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 Everett, MA earn a median of $79,191 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.54% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.80% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,643.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.07/hr = $47,512/year (purchasing power: $43,790).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,187/year (purchasing power: $72,983).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Everett (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Everett grew 17.5% from $31.50/hr (2019) to $37.03/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.14/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 Everett 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 Everett
Workers in the field also have distinct earning patterns depending on their employment status. A part-time occupational therapy assistant dedicating 24 hours a week can take home around $47,000 annually based on the projected hourly pay, significantly less than their full-time counterparts who work 40 hours weekly. Per-diem or agency COTAs usually charge between $30 and $45 per hour, while travel contracts can offer between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. However, some skilled nursing facilities have seen pay rates decline due to post-2022 reimbursement cuts from Medicare. Hourly rates can vary considerably across different employer types in Everett, such as schools or outpatient clinics, meaning some may trade lower rates for essential benefits like health insurance. When negotiating hourly pay, COTAs in Everett should consider not only the base rate but also these integral benefits, ensuring they align with their personal financial goals and work-life balance.
More salary data for Everett, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Everett in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Everett?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Everett paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Everett?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Everett?
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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 Everett. 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 Everett 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