Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Lowell, MA: $38.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Lowell, MA runs $38.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,873 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Lowell's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,526 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lowell, Massachusetts, the projected occupational therapy assistant hourly pay for 2026 is $38.88, which indicates a robust opportunity well above the national hourly median of $35.74. This competitive rate enables professionals to thrive whether they are pursuing part-time roles, typically working three days a week, or taking on per-diem positions in various settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, or outpatient clinics. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants can expect to start at approximately $28.38 per hour, while top earners within the field can achieve rates as high as $49.64 per hour. The figures are estimations derived from annual salary data, underscoring the importance of understanding specific hourly expectations within the profession.
About the Lowell 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) | $28.38 | $227.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.51 | $268.05 |
| Median (P50) | $38.88 | $311.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.52 | $348.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.64 | $397.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lowell
Based on $38.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.88/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lowell, MA can expect to earn approximately $80,876 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,659. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lowell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lowell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,555.31 | $6,740 | $80,876 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $933.19 | $4,044 | $48,526 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $622.12 | $2,696 | $32,350 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Lowell) | $38.88 |
| 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 Lowell, MA earn a median of $80,873 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.80% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $80,632.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.88/hr = $48,526/year (purchasing power: $44,724).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,876/year (purchasing power: $74,540).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lowell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lowell grew 17.5% from $32.18/hr (2019) to $37.82/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.98/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 Lowell 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 Lowell
For occupational therapy assistants who work part-time in Lowell, the financial outlook can vary significantly compared to full-time roles. A COTA working three days a week for 24 hours can expect to earn around $48,000 annually, while full-time professionals could reach earnings of about $80,873 per year. When considering per diem work, which allows for greater flexibility, rates typically fall between $30 and $45 per hour, while travel contracts can yield weekly earnings between $1,100 and $1,700. However, it’s essential to recognize that occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Lowell can fluctuate depending on the employer type—whether in skilled nursing facilities or school therapy roles. While some might opt for lower hourly wages for positions that include health insurance, others may prioritize higher pay with fewer benefits. Negotiating a fair hourly rate can significantly impact overall compensation, and professionals must prepare to discuss these elements during interviews or contract negotiations.
More salary data for Lowell, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lowell in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Lowell?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Lowell paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Lowell?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lowell?
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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 Lowell. 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 Lowell 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