Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Waltham, MA: $37.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Waltham, MA runs $37.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,480 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Waltham's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,089 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waltham, Massachusetts, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay reaches a median of $37.73, which is notably higher than the national median of $35.74. This competitive hourly rate positions occupational therapy assistants well, particularly for those seeking part-time opportunities or per-diem roles in various environments such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. Entry-level positions start around $27.49, while seasoned professionals can earn as much as $46.57 per hour. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, highlighting the potential for part-time occupational therapy assistants to enjoy a flexible work schedule while still benefiting from attractive hourly compensation.
About the Waltham 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) | $27.49 | $219.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.39 | $259.08 |
| Median (P50) | $37.73 | $301.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.13 | $337.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.57 | $372.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waltham
Based on $37.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.73/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waltham, MA can expect to earn approximately $78,481 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,278. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Waltham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waltham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,509.25 | $6,540 | $78,481 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $905.55 | $3,924 | $47,089 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $603.70 | $2,616 | $31,392 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Waltham) | $37.73 |
| 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 Waltham, MA earn a median of $78,480 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.58% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,658.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.73/hr = $47,089/year (purchasing power: $43,400).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,481/year (purchasing power: $72,333).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Waltham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Waltham grew 17.5% from $31.22/hr (2019) to $36.70/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.79/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 Waltham 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 Waltham
For those considering a part-time schedule at three days a week, or 24 hours, the annual earnings can be significantly lower compared to full-time colleagues, with actual take-home income reflecting their reduced hours. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Waltham typically falls between $30 to $45 per hour, with travel contracts cited as yielding anywhere from $1,100 to $1,700 per week. However, the landscape has shifted due to past reimbursement cuts impacting skilled nursing facilities, which can lead to more variability in pay. Moreover, hourly rates can differ across various employer types; those in school districts or early intervention programs may offer lower rates but provide benefits like health insurance, making it crucial for occupational therapy assistants to weigh their options. Negotiation remains a key skill, especially for those in outpatient clinics or home health settings where the demand may allow for higher rates, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the potential for income and the trade-offs involved in job choices in Waltham and MA as a whole.
More salary data for Waltham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Waltham in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Waltham?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Waltham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Waltham?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Waltham?
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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 Waltham. 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 Waltham 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