OT Assistant Salary

Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Beverly, MA: $97,603 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapy assistants working in Beverly, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $97,603/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2011. Strip back Beverly's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $89,957 in average-cost America. The 24% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$97,603
Top 10% Earn
$46.92/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$86,901
75th Percentile
$97,603
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Occupational Therapy Assistant Senior Salary in Beverly, MA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Beverly, MA occupational therapy assistant senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For experienced occupational therapy assistants in Beverly, Massachusetts, the potential for lucrative earnings is significant. With a projected 2026 median annual salary of $78,654, seasoned professionals can expect to see top-tier compensation reaching $97,603 at the 90th percentile. This places Beverly’s top earners ahead of the national benchmark, reflecting a notable experience premium when comparing the median figure to that of the highest earners. Achieving such elevated salaries often necessitates years of practice, mastery of specialized skills, and possibly advanced certifications, putting the pursuit of excellence at the forefront of a senior OTA's career strategy.

About the Beverly Market

Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Beverly

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for occupational therapy assistants in Beverly. The median salary is $78,654, compared to the national median of $74,332.$50.0K$63.1K$76.2K$89.3K$102.5K$55.5K10th Pctl$69.0K25th Pctl$78.7KMedian$86.9K75th Pctl$97.6K90th PctlUS Median$74.3K

Experienced occupational therapy assistants at the top of the pay scale in Beverly earn between $86,901 and $97,603 per year (2026 est.). This $42,103 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Beverly median of $78,654 sits 5.81% above the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of occupational therapy assistant pay in the Beverly metro area.

Top OTA Salary Comparison

LevelBeverlyNational
Median (P50)$78,654$74,332
75th Percentile$86,901$81,384
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$97,603$92,303

In Beverly, experienced occupational therapy assistants (P90) earn 24.09% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Beverly

1

Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts

MA occupational therapy assistants with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $78,654 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Beverly employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Occupational Therapy Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Beverly command premium compensation, often reaching the $86,901–$97,603 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Beverly metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced occupational therapy assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured occupational therapy assistants in Beverly with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Occupational Therapy Assistants in Massachusetts who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Beverly

Clinical Occupational Therapy Assistant

0-5 years
$55,500 – $78,654

Senior/Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant

5-10 years
$78,654 – $86,901

Occupational Therapy Assistant Department Manager

10+ years
$86,901+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Beverly ranks #20 of 58 Massachusetts cities for top earner occupational therapy assistant salary (90th percentile: $97,603).

Top 10% occupational therapy assistant compensation in Beverly ($97,603) is 9.24% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($89,344).

2019 BLS Actual

$86,930

2025 BLS Actual

$94,935

2026 Current Est.

$97,603

2019–2027 Growth

+15.4%

Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Beverly (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for occupational therapy assistants in Beverly. Baseline $86,930 in 2025, projected to $100,345 by 2027.$81.7K$87.1K$92.6K$98.0K$103.5K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$86.9K$88.9K$84.8K$90.5K$94.4K$96.8K$94.9K$97.6K$100.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$86,930Actual
2020$88,918Actual
2021$84,816Actual
2022$90,494Actual
2023$94,353Actual
2024$96,776Actual
2025$94,935Actual
2026(current)$97,603Estimated
2027$100,345Projected

Top-earning occupational therapy assistants (90th percentile) in Beverly saw their compensation grow 9.2% from $86,930 in 2019 to $94,935 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.81% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $100,345 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Beverly metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Maximizing Your Occupational Therapy Assistant Earnings in Beverly

In the competitive market of Beverly, specific specializations can markedly influence senior occupational therapy assistant pay MA. Fields like pediatric and geriatric therapy, mental health support, and hand therapy often command higher wages, particularly in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics where demand is high. Additionally, the type of employer significantly impacts compensation; OTAs in hospital settings often earn more than those working within school districts or home health agencies. Career advancement may lead to roles like clinic operations coordinator or regional clinical educator, further enhancing earning potential. Advanced credentials such as those from AOTA or NBCOT can also provide upward mobility. Moreover, non-salary factors, such as productivity expectations and the impact of the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut, should be carefully considered in evaluating job offers, as they profoundly affect the overall compensation landscape in this sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced occupational therapy assistants make in Beverly in 2026?

Top-earning occupational therapy assistants in Beverly (90th percentile) make $97,603/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.81% annual growth). This is $18,949 more than the area median of $78,654 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior occupational therapy assistants typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher occupational therapy assistant pay in Beverly?

Higher occupational therapy assistant pay in Beverly is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost occupational therapy assistant salary in Beverly?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for occupational therapy assistants in Beverly include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $78,654, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced occupational therapy assistants make six figures in Beverly?

The 90th percentile in Beverly is $97,603. Reaching six figures in this market may require combining clinical work at multiple practices with additional income from education, consulting, product sales, or relocating to a higher-paying metro area. Advanced certifications and specializations can help close the gap.

How much does occupational therapy assistant salary increase over time in Beverly?

In Beverly, the gap between entry level ($55,500) and top earners ($97,603) is $42,103, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, COTA/LData verified by Samuel Chen, OTR/L

Methodology & Data Source

Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $94,935 for occupational therapy assistants in the Beverly metro area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Beverly is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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