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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
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.
Top OTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Beverly | National |
|---|---|---|
| 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapy Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBeverly 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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,930 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,918 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,816 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,494 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,353 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,776 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,935 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,603 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,345 | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Beverly 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.
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.
More salary data for Beverly, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapy assistants make in Beverly in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapy assistant pay in Beverly?
What certifications boost occupational therapy assistant salary in Beverly?
Can experienced occupational therapy assistants make six figures in Beverly?
How much does occupational therapy assistant salary increase over time in Beverly?
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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
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).
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