Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Methuen, MA: $38.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Methuen, MA runs $38.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,511 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Methuen's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,704 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Methuen, Massachusetts, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $38.22 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $35.74. This competitive pay rate allows part-time workers, particularly those employed for three days a week, to earn a substantial income, especially in typical settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. For entry-level occupational therapy assistants, hourly wages begin around $28.60, while experienced professionals can accrue rates as high as $48.07. Such a range provides significant opportunities for both new and seasoned practitioners in Methuen to find their place in this growing field.
About the Methuen 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) | $28.60 | $228.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.40 | $267.22 |
| Median (P50) | $38.22 | $305.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.47 | $339.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.07 | $384.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Methuen
Based on $38.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.22/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Methuen, MA can expect to earn approximately $79,507 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,870. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Methuen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Methuen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,528.99 | $6,626 | $79,507 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $917.39 | $3,975 | $47,704 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $611.60 | $2,650 | $31,803 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Methuen) | $38.22 |
| 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 Methuen, MA earn a median of $79,511 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.97% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,640.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.22/hr = $47,704/year (purchasing power: $43,967).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,507/year (purchasing power: $73,279).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Methuen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Methuen grew 17.5% from $31.63/hr (2019) to $37.18/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.30/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 Methuen 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 Methuen
Considering part-time roles, a three-day workweek for an occupational therapy assistant totals about 24 hours, leading to an annual take-home figure substantially lower than full-time employees. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Methuen varies widely, with typical billing rates for agency or contract work falling between $30 and $45 per hour, while travel contracts can net professionals $1,100 to $1,700 per week. This variation forces many occupational therapy assistants to weigh the benefits of steady wages against superior hourly rates coupled with a lack of job security and benefits. Furthermore, gaining higher compensation may often come at the cost of health insurance, which is crucial for many. Therefore, negotiating based on the hourly rate and understanding employer-specific compensation structures—whether in schools, outpatient programs, or home health—becomes vital for job seekers in the area.
More salary data for Methuen, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Methuen in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Methuen?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Methuen paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Methuen?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Methuen?
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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 Methuen. 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 Methuen 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