Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Fitchburg, MA: $79,542 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Fitchburg, MA earns a median $79,542/year (≈ $38.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Fitchburg's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $73,311 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as an occupational therapy assistant, Fitchburg, Massachusetts, offers a promising median annual salary of $79,542 in 2026, which is about 7.01% higher than the national median of $74,332. The local salary spectrum for occupational therapy assistants in Fitchburg ranges from $57,618 at the 10th percentile to $95,359 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities. Entering the field now could be advantageous, especially for those pursuing the COTA-to-MOT bridge, which could increase lifetime earning potential as professionals advance their education and credentials.
About the Fitchburg Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,618 | $27.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,751 | $32.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,542 | $38.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,085 | $41.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,359 | $45.84 |
Median Salary Position
7.01% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fitchburg
In Fitchburg, MA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,741 (2026 est.). At $79,542, the local median is 7.01% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Fitchburg: You'd be above the median
How Fitchburg Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Fitchburg median: $79,542/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fitchburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $80,671 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +7.01% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fitchburg, MA earn a median of $79,542 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.01% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,671.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fitchburg has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fitchburg, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,542 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,311 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,822
2025 BLS Actual
$77,368
2026 Current Est.
$79,542
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fitchburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,822 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,352 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,057 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,754 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,707 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,046 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,368 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,542 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,777 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fitchburg metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $65,822 (2019) to $77,368 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,777 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,955 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fitchburg 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) | $57,618 – $67,751 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,751 – $79,542 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,542 – $86,085 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,085 – $95,359 |
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 Fitchburg
The job market for occupational therapy assistants in Fitchburg is solid, with a current employment base of 10 professionals in this role. With a cost-of-living index of 108.5, Fitchburg's economic environment may affect the take-home pay and purchasing power of its residents. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab units generally offer higher salaries compared to outpatient clinics or school district contracts. Factors such as the setting of employment, productivity expectations, and the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut in 2022 result in notable pay disparities. To maximize compensation in this competitive landscape, occupational therapy assistants may benefit from seeking positions that pay a premium for weekend shifts or pursuing year-round contracts that align with their career aspirations in this growing region.
More salary data for Fitchburg, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Fitchburg, MA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Fitchburg?
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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 $77,368 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Fitchburg 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 Fitchburg 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