Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Shrewsbury, MA: $37.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Shrewsbury, MA runs $37.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,101 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Shrewsbury's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,255 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at an estimated $37.06 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $35.74. This competitive hourly rate has significant implications for those considering part-time or per-diem positions in varied settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. For part-time workers, typically scheduled for three days a week, this hourly wage can translate to a robust income, yet still allows flexibility to balance personal commitments. Seasonal and per-diem COTAs have the potential to earn anywhere from $28.01 at entry-level to $45.88 for highly experienced professionals, affording them various options in how they choose to work in Shrewsbury.
About the Shrewsbury 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) | $28.01 | $224.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.43 | $259.41 |
| Median (P50) | $37.06 | $296.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.89 | $327.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.88 | $367.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shrewsbury
Based on $37.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.06/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shrewsbury, MA can expect to earn approximately $77,091 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,476. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Shrewsbury.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shrewsbury
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,482.52 | $6,424 | $77,091 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $889.51 | $3,855 | $46,255 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $593.01 | $2,570 | $30,836 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Shrewsbury) | $37.06 |
| 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 Shrewsbury, MA earn a median of $77,101 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.73% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 4.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,650.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.06/hr = $46,255/year (purchasing power: $42,631).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,091/year (purchasing power: $71,052).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Shrewsbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Shrewsbury grew 17.5% from $30.67/hr (2019) to $36.05/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.10/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 Shrewsbury 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 Shrewsbury
Examining the earnings potential reveals that a part-time occupational therapy assistant working a standard 24-hour week can expect to make a significant portion of what full-time colleagues do, albeit with the ability to allocate time towards other pursuits. Meanwhile, per diem and agency COTAs often operate with a billing range of $30-$45 per hour, which can yield higher weekly earnings—ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 for travel assignments—though the recent reimbursement cuts have impacted premium pay rates. Wages can differ markedly among work settings, with nursing facilities often offering lower rates compared to outpatient clinics where benefits might also play a role in compensation decisions. For COTAs looking to enhance their occupational therapy assistant hourly rate in MA, it’s essential to weigh their options carefully. They might negotiate salaries depending on the benefits package offered, as some may prioritize hourly pay without health insurance over positions that provide comprehensive coverage.
More salary data for Shrewsbury, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Shrewsbury in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Shrewsbury?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Shrewsbury paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Shrewsbury?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Shrewsbury?
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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 Shrewsbury. 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 Shrewsbury 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