Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Peabody, MA: $38.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Peabody, MA runs $38.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,728 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Peabody's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,436 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Peabody, Massachusetts, is projected to be $38.81, surpassing the national median of $35.74. This means that professionals working part-time, such as those scheduling three days a week, can earn a competitive wage that reflects well on the local demand for COTAs in settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. With entry-level rates starting around $26.92, and more experienced practitioners possibly earning up to $50.00, this range opens opportunities for workers at different stages of their careers. Furthermore, those in per-diem roles can find flexibility in their schedules while earning a solid hourly rate, allowing them to supplement income effectively.
About the Peabody 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) | $26.92 | $215.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.77 | $270.18 |
| Median (P50) | $38.81 | $310.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.54 | $332.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.00 | $399.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Peabody
Based on $38.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.81/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Peabody, MA can expect to earn approximately $80,726 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,573. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Peabody.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Peabody
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,552.43 | $6,727 | $80,726 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $931.46 | $4,036 | $48,436 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $620.97 | $2,691 | $32,291 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Peabody) | $38.81 |
| 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 Peabody, MA earn a median of $80,728 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.60% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.10% above the Massachusetts state average of $80,648.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.81/hr = $48,436/year (purchasing power: $44,641).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,726/year (purchasing power: $74,402).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Peabody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Peabody grew 17.5% from $32.12/hr (2019) to $37.75/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.90/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 Peabody 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 Peabody
When considering part-time work, a COTA in Peabody working 24 hours a week would take home a respectable income compared to a full-time role. With per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Peabody generally ranging from $30 to $45 per hour, occasional agency work can offer lucrative earnings, often with less commitment to scheduled hours. However, it's essential to understand that some settings may offer lower hourly rates, particularly in skilled nursing facilities where budget cuts have affected pay since the 15% Medicare reduction in 2022. Different employer types, such as hospital inpatient rehab or early intervention programs, may offer varying hourly rates, often reflecting their budgetary constraints. Many COTAs choose to accept lower hourly pay in exchange for employer-provided health insurance, while those willing to negotiate might secure higher rates without benefits. Familiarity with industry norms and local practice settings can significantly influence compensation negotiations for occupational therapy assistants in Peabody.
More salary data for Peabody, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Peabody. 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 Peabody 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