Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Barnstable, MA: $78,397 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Barnstable, MA earns a median $78,397/year (≈ $37.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Barnstable's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $72,255 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Barnstable, Massachusetts, can look forward to a median annual salary of $78,397 in 2026, reflecting a competitive rate that exceeds the national average by 5.47%. The anticipated salary range for this profession spans from $54,894 at the 10th percentile to $91,954 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the various opportunities available in the local job market. These figures are derived from state-level estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjust for regional price levels. The growth rate for the occupational therapy assistant profession is projected at 2.81% annually, indicating a steady demand for these professionals in the Barnstable area.
About the Barnstable Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,894 | $26.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,152 | $33.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,397 | $37.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,371 | $40.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,954 | $44.21 |
Median Salary Position
5.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Barnstable
In Barnstable, MA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,060 (2026 est.). At $78,397, the local median is 5.47% above the national median of $74,332.
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How Barnstable Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Barnstable median: $78,397/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Barnstable Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $80,655 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +5.47% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Barnstable, MA earn a median of $78,397 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.47% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.80% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,655.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Barnstable has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Barnstable, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,397 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,255 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,874
2025 BLS Actual
$76,254
2026 Current Est.
$78,397
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Barnstable (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,874 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,382 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,106 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,764 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,675 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,937 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,254 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,397 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,600 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Barnstable metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $64,874 (2019) to $76,254 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,600 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,726 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Barnstable 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $54,894 – $70,152 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,152 – $78,397 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,397 – $83,371 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,371 – $91,954 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Barnstable
Looking at the local job market, there are currently eight occupational therapy assistants employed in Barnstable. The cost-of-living index stands at 108.5, slightly above the national average, which means that while salaries are competitive, buying power may be affected. Among potential employers, skilled nursing facilities often lead in compensation, followed closely by hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers. Differences in pay arise from several factors, including setting, productivity expectations, and the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut on certain service provisions. For COTAs seeking to maximize their earnings, considering year-round contracts over school-year positions and exploring roles in higher-paying healthcare settings can be strategic. Understanding the particulars of the local market dynamics will empower occupational therapy assistants to navigate their career path effectively in Barnstable, MA.
More salary data for Barnstable, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $76,254 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Barnstable metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Barnstable 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