Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Braintree, MA: $77,840 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Braintree, MA earns a median $77,840/year (≈ $37.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Braintree's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $71,742 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Braintree, Massachusetts, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapy assistants is $77,840 for 2026, reflecting a slight increase compared to the national average of $74,332. The salary range varies significantly, with the bottom 10% earning approximately $59,681 while the top 10% can make as much as $95,021. These figures are estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost of living factors. As employment opportunities within Braintree grow—especially with the increasing prevalence of services requiring occupational therapy—the potential for higher lifetime earnings in this field is evident, particularly for those pursuing further education and bridging from COTA to MOT.
About the Braintree Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,681 | $28.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,979 | $33.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,840 | $37.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,044 | $40.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,021 | $45.68 |
Median Salary Position
4.72% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Braintree
In Braintree, MA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,340 (2026 est.). At $77,840, the local median is 4.72% above the national median of $74,332.
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How Braintree Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Braintree median: $77,840/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Braintree Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $80,663 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +4.72% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Braintree, MA earn a median of $77,840 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.72% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 3.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,663.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Braintree has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Braintree, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,840 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,742 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,413
2025 BLS Actual
$75,712
2026 Current Est.
$77,840
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Braintree (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,413 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,910 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,643 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,282 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,172 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,398 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,712 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,840 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,027 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Braintree metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $64,413 (2019) to $75,712 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,027 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,614 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Braintree 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) | $59,681 – $68,979 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,979 – $77,840 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,840 – $85,044 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,044 – $95,021 |
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 Braintree
Within Braintree’s local job market, there are currently seven occupational therapy assistants employed, indicating a tight-knit community that could affect job availability and competition. With a cost-of-living index at 108.5, this region ranks higher than the national average, meaning that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power may be impacted. Employers that typically offer higher compensation include hospital inpatient rehabilitation facilities and outpatient clinics, contrasting with school districts and skilled nursing facilities, which may face budget restrictions, especially in light of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cuts introduced in 2022. Factors like weekend and PRN shifts can lead to additional pay premiums. To maximize earnings, aspiring occupational therapy assistants in Braintree should consider diversifying their skill set and seeking roles in higher-paying settings, taking into account the varying productivity expectations associated with different work environments.
More salary data for Braintree, 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 $75,712 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Braintree 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 Braintree 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