Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Stoughton, MA: $37.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Stoughton, MA runs $37.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,201 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Stoughton's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,319 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Stoughton, Massachusetts, the projected median hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant is $37.11, surpassing the national hourly median of $35.74. This competitive rate allows part-time COTAs working three days a week to earn a substantial income while juggling various commitments, especially in settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. For those considering per-diem work, hourly earnings can fluctuate between $28.12 and $44.63, depending on experience and employer. This range reflects the diverse opportunities available to occupational therapy assistants in Stoughton, from entry-level positions to those earning at the higher end due to specialized skills or roles.
About the Stoughton 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) | $28.12 | $224.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.70 | $253.57 |
| Median (P50) | $37.11 | $296.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.25 | $322.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.63 | $357.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Stoughton
Based on $37.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.11/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Stoughton, MA can expect to earn approximately $77,198 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,537. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Stoughton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Stoughton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,484.58 | $6,433 | $77,198 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $890.75 | $3,860 | $46,319 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $593.83 | $2,573 | $30,879 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Stoughton) | $37.11 |
| 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 Stoughton, MA earn a median of $77,201 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.86% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 4.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,670.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.11/hr = $46,319/year (purchasing power: $42,690).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,198/year (purchasing power: $71,150).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Stoughton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Stoughton grew 17.5% from $30.71/hr (2019) to $36.10/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.16/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 Stoughton 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 Stoughton
Looking into the earning potential for occupational therapy assistants working part-time, a typical schedule of 24 hours weekly could yield a take-home income significantly lower than full-time counterparts, depending on how many hours they are able to secure. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Stoughton often ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, with travel contracts potentially reaching between $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. While this can be lucrative, it's essential to note that agency positions may offer less stability, especially following the recharge of the 15% Medicare cut affecting reimbursement rates in skilled nursing facilities. The pay structures vary according to the type of employer—the benefits, health insurance, and stability of full-time positions can often lead COTAs to opt for slightly lower hourly rates rather than pursuing higher pay without benefits. Negotiating hourly pay can be strategic; emphasizing specialized skills or flexible availability can enhance earning prospects in Stoughton's competitive job market.
More salary data for Stoughton, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Stoughton in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Stoughton?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Stoughton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Stoughton?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Stoughton?
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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 Stoughton. 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 Stoughton 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