Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Springfield, MA: $66,055 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Springfield, MA earns a median $66,055/year (≈ $31.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Springfield's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.1), that paycheck buys what $68,764 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 18.1% below the Massachusetts state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant salary in Springfield, Massachusetts, is projected at $66,055, which represents an 11.14% lower median compared to the national average of $74,332. The anticipated salary range spans from $39,849 at the 10th percentile to as high as $79,061 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a wide variance in earning potential. Based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, these figures indicate that while Springfield's compensation may not rival the national standards, the stability of the job market provides reliable opportunities for current and aspiring occupational therapy assistants. As the demand is anticipated to grow, particularly as healthcare needs evolve, those considering the COTA-to-MOT bridge may find that enhancing their qualifications could significantly impact lifetime earnings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,849 | $19.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,850 | $24.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,055 | $31.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,683 | $37.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,061 | $38.01 |
Median Salary Position
11.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Springfield
In Springfield, MA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,212 (2026 est.). At $66,055, the local median is 11.14% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Springfield: You'd be above the median
How Springfield Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Springfield median: $66,055/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Springfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $80,654 | -18.10% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -11.14% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Springfield, MA earn a median of $66,055 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.14% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 18.10% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,654.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Springfield has a cost of living 3.94% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Springfield, MA has a cost-of-living index of 96.061 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $66,055 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,764 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.1% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,000
2025 BLS Actual
$64,250
2026 Current Est.
$66,055
2019–2027 Growth
+28.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,000 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,570 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,170 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,800 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,420 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,250 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,055 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,912 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Springfield metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 21.2% from $53,000 (2019) to $64,250 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,912 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,912 (28.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Springfield 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) | $39,849 – $50,850 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,850 – $66,055 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,055 – $77,683 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,683 – $79,061 |
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 Springfield
The local job market in Springfield employs approximately 120 occupational therapy assistants, making it a modest yet stable environment for the profession. With a cost-of-living index set at 96.061, the financial strains for residents are slightly below the national average, which suggests that take-home purchasing power may be more favorable than in higher-cost areas. Among the various employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer some of the highest salaries; however, pay can also be competitive within hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings and outpatient clinics. The differences in pay stem from various factors including productivity expectations and the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut that has affected salaries in the skilled nursing and outpatient sectors. For those working in educational settings, understanding the nuances of school-year versus year-round contracts can provide a strategic edge. To maximize pay, occupational therapy assistants in Springfield should consider diversifying their settings, remaining aware of employment opportunities in high-demand facilities, and pursuing advanced certifications or further education through programs recognized by AOTA and NBCOT.
More salary data for Springfield, 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 $64,250 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Springfield 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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