Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Holyoke, MA: $37.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Holyoke, MA runs $37.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,784 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Holyoke's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,268 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Holyoke, MA, can expect a median hourly pay of $37.88, which surpasses the national median of $35.74. This hourly rate significantly benefits those who choose part-time or per-diem work, typically found in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. For occupational therapy assistants working three days a week, this translates to a cohesive income stream while maintaining flexibility. The hourly wage range is from $26.83 at entry-level positions to $47.13 for top earners, allowing new professionals to enter the field while providing avenues for growth.
About the Holyoke 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) | $26.83 | $214.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.82 | $254.56 |
| Median (P50) | $37.88 | $303.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.93 | $335.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.13 | $377.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Holyoke
Based on $37.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.88/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Holyoke, MA can expect to earn approximately $78,780 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,450. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Holyoke.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Holyoke
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,515.01 | $6,565 | $78,780 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $909.00 | $3,939 | $47,268 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $606.00 | $2,626 | $31,512 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Holyoke) | $37.88 |
| 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 Holyoke, MA earn a median of $78,784 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.99% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,639.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.88/hr = $47,268/year (purchasing power: $43,565).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,780/year (purchasing power: $72,609).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Holyoke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Holyoke grew 17.5% from $31.34/hr (2019) to $36.84/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.94/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 Holyoke 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 Holyoke
The earning potential for a part-time occupational therapy assistant (COTA) working 24 hours a week can lead to a substantial annual income, particularly when compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Holyoke generally ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, with travel contracts drawing weekly earnings between $1,100 and $1,700. However, the environment post-2022 changes in reimbursements has led to a decline in premium pay from skilled nursing facilities. Pay varies across different employer types; for instance, professional contracts in school districts might offer lower hourly wages compared to hospital settings but may include health benefits. Negotiating terms becomes important in this context, as some COTAs may prefer higher hourly pay without benefits, while others might seek stability with employee health coverage. Understanding these dynamics can empower occupational therapy assistants in Holyoke to make informed career and financial decisions.
More salary data for Holyoke, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Holyoke in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Holyoke?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Holyoke paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Holyoke?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Holyoke?
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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 Holyoke. 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 Holyoke 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