Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Peabody, MA: $80,728 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Peabody, MA earns a median $80,728/year (≈ $38.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Peabody's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $74,404 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the compensation for occupational therapy assistants in Peabody, Massachusetts is projected to reach a median annual salary of $80,728, reflecting an attractive position within the regional job market. This figure surpasses the national median of $74,332, making it approximately 8.60% higher. The salary range for this profession can vary significantly, from $55,989 at the 10th percentile to $103,985 at the 90th percentile, indicating diverse compensation levels based on experience, setting, and productivity expectations. The estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost factors, suggest that occupational therapy assistants have the potential for varied earning opportunities in Peabody, particularly driven by the demands and structure of service delivery in diverse healthcare environments.
About the Peabody Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,989 | $26.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,249 | $33.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,728 | $38.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,392 | $41.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103,985 | $50.00 |
Median Salary Position
8.60% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Peabody
In Peabody, MA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,996 (2026 est.). At $80,728, the local median is 8.6% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Peabody: You'd be above the median
How Peabody Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Peabody median: $80,728/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Peabody Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $80,648 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +8.60% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Peabody, MA earn a median of $80,728 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.60% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.10% above the Massachusetts state average of $80,648.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Peabody has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Peabody, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,728 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,404 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,803
2025 BLS Actual
$78,522
2026 Current Est.
$80,728
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Peabody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,803 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,356 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,042 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,779 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,777 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,196 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,522 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,728 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,997 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Peabody metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $66,803 (2019) to $78,522 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,997 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,194 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peabody 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) | $55,989 – $70,249 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,249 – $80,728 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,728 – $86,392 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,392 – $103,985 |
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 Peabody
Among the eight occupational therapy assistants employed locally, the competitive landscape requires an understanding of the broader economic context. Peabody's cost-of-living index sits at 108.5, above the national average, which subtly impacts take-home pay. Facilities such as skilled nursing homes and hospitals typically offer higher salaries compared to outpatient clinics and school districts. However, factors like setting, productivity expectations, and the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut are substantial influencers on pay disparities. Practitioners aiming to maximize their occupational therapy assistant pay in Peabody, MA, may benefit from seeking employment in high-paying settings, considerations for PRN and weekend work, as well as exploring contracts that extend throughout the school year. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for those considering a career or advancement in the field.
More salary data for Peabody, 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 $78,522 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Peabody 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 Peabody 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