Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Malden, MA: $38.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Malden, MA runs $38.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,907 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Malden's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,538 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Malden, Massachusetts, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $38.89, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $35.74. This pay scale reflects the region's demand for skilled personnel in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school districts, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. For part-time workers typical of this profession, such as those working three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into a decent income while allowing for flexible schedules. Newcomers to the field can expect to start at around $27.12, while seasoned professionals can earn as much as $47.91 per hour. It's essential to keep in mind that these hourly rates are derived from yearly salary estimates.
About the Malden 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) | $27.12 | $216.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.47 | $259.74 |
| Median (P50) | $38.89 | $311.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.52 | $340.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.91 | $383.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Malden
Based on $38.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.89/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Malden, MA can expect to earn approximately $80,897 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,672. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Malden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Malden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,555.72 | $6,741 | $80,897 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $933.43 | $4,045 | $48,538 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $622.29 | $2,697 | $32,359 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Malden) | $38.89 |
| 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 Malden, MA earn a median of $80,907 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.85% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $80,665.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.89/hr = $48,538/year (purchasing power: $44,736).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,897/year (purchasing power: $74,560).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Malden (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 | $32.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Malden grew 17.5% from $32.18/hr (2019) to $37.83/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.99/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 Malden 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 Malden
Looking more closely at payment dynamics in Malden, a part-time occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week can expect to take home about $48,032 annually, a considerable figure when balanced against full-time employment options. For those in per diem roles or agency positions, the hourly earnings can vary widely, as they often bill between $30 to $45 per hour, with travel COTA contracts offering lucrative weekly payments ranging from $1,100 to $1,700. Different types of employers—such as skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics—often present varying pay scales, with some offering lower hourly rates but including essential benefits like health insurance. Occupational therapy assistants must consider these elements in contract negotiations; emphasizing flexibility or availability may yield better hourly rates especially given the backdrop of the 15% reimbursement cut that impacted earnings for OTA services starting in 2022. Understanding the local market while effectively discussing terms is crucial for maximizing earnings in this field.
More salary data for Malden, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Malden in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Malden?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Malden paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Malden?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Malden?
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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 Malden. 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 Malden 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