Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Needham, MA: $38.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Needham, MA runs $38.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,242 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Needham's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,551 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Needham, Massachusetts, earn a median hourly pay of $38.10, which is notably higher than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This competitive rate reflects the demand for skilled professionals in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, schools, outpatient clinics, and during home health visits. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this hourly rate can provide a stable income, depending on the number of hours worked each week. Entry-level positions may offer around $27.32 per hour, while more experienced assistants can earn up to $45.37 per hour. The hourly rates are derived from annual salary figures, making it crucial for prospective COTAs to understand this pay structure as they enter the field in Needham.
About the Needham 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) | $27.32 | $218.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.27 | $258.18 |
| Median (P50) | $38.10 | $304.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.01 | $328.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.37 | $362.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Needham
Based on $38.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.10/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Needham, MA can expect to earn approximately $79,251 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,722. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Needham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Needham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,524.06 | $6,604 | $79,251 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $914.43 | $3,963 | $47,551 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $609.62 | $2,642 | $31,700 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Needham) | $38.10 |
| 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 Needham, MA earn a median of $79,242 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.61% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,612.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.10/hr = $47,551/year (purchasing power: $43,825).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,251/year (purchasing power: $73,042).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Needham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Needham grew 17.5% from $31.53/hr (2019) to $37.06/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.17/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 Needham 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 Needham
In exploring part-time potential, a COTA working 24 hours a week at the median rate could anticipate earning approximately $47,474 annually, considerably lower than what a full-time counterpart would make. The per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Needham can vary quite significantly, with rates falling between $30 and $45 per hour; however, travel contracts for COTAs can yield even higher earnings, often in the range of $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. This flexibility is invaluable, especially for COTAs who navigate the impacts of the 15% Medicare cut that began in 2022, which has influenced pay rates in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient services. Moreover, hourly rates can differ based on the employer type; independent contractors at school districts may earn less than those in outpatient clinics that attract premium pay. For therapists evaluating job offers, keeping in mind potential health benefits can be a game-changer. Negotiating higher hourly wages versus opting for employer-sponsored healthcare might significantly influence job satisfaction and financial stability in their careers.
More salary data for Needham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Needham in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Needham?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Needham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Needham?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Needham?
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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 Needham. 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 Needham 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