Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Plymouth, MA: $100,606 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapy assistants working in Plymouth, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $100,606/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2011. Strip back Plymouth's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $92,724 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
Occupational therapy assistants in Plymouth, Massachusetts, who have accumulated significant experience can expect a healthy compensation structure reflective of their advanced skills. In 2026, top earners (P90) can command salaries reaching $100,606, while those in the 75th percentile may enjoy $89,128. This positions Plymouth's experienced occupational therapy assistant salary well above the national averages, with a median of $81,201 showcasing a notable experience premium for seasoned professionals. Achieving top-tier pay often involves a mix of specialization, leadership in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, and acute care environments, as well as pursuing advanced credentials that further distinguish one’s qualifications in a competitive market.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plymouth
Experienced occupational therapy assistants at the top of the pay scale in Plymouth earn between $89,128 and $100,606 per year (2026 est.). This $43,520 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Plymouth median of $81,201 sits 9.24% above the US median.
Top OTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Plymouth | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $81,201 | $74,332 |
| 75th Percentile | $89,128 | $81,384 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $100,606 | $92,303 |
In Plymouth, experienced occupational therapy assistants (P90) earn 23.90% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Plymouth
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA occupational therapy assistants with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $81,201 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Plymouth employers.
Specialty Focus
Occupational Therapy Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Plymouth command premium compensation, often reaching the $89,128–$100,606 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Clinical Occupational Therapy Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapy Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPlymouth ranks #8 of 58 Massachusetts cities for top earner occupational therapy assistant salary (90th percentile: $100,606).
Top 10% occupational therapy assistant compensation in Plymouth ($100,606) is 12.61% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($89,344).
2019 BLS Actual
$89,605
2025 BLS Actual
$97,856
2026 Current Est.
$100,606
2019–2027 Growth
+15.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,605 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,654 | Actual |
| 2021 | $87,425 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,278 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,257 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,829 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,856 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,606 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,433 | Projected |
Top-earning occupational therapy assistants (90th percentile) in Plymouth saw their compensation grow 9.2% from $89,605 in 2019 to $97,856 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 $103,433 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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 Plymouth
As the demand for specialized care continues to grow, experienced occupational therapy assistants in Plymouth can significantly boost their earnings by focusing on high-demand areas such as pediatrics and hand therapy. Different employer types also have varying compensation strategies; hospital inpatient rehab typically offers more competitive packages compared to outpatient clinics or school districts. Career advancement opportunities abound for senior-level professionals, with pathways including positions like lead OTA, clinic operations coordinator, and even transition programs like OTA-to-MOT. Additionally, securing advanced credentials—such as obtaining the COTA certification from NBCOT, and maintaining a state OTA license—can lead to higher pay. However, professionals must be aware of compensation dynamics affected by external factors like the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut, which has led to wage compression in certain sectors. Understanding these nuances is essential for those aspiring to achieve the top occupational therapy assistant salary in Plymouth and maximize their career trajectory in MA.
More salary data for Plymouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapy assistants make in Plymouth in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapy assistant pay in Plymouth?
What certifications boost occupational therapy assistant salary in Plymouth?
Can experienced occupational therapy assistants make six figures in Plymouth?
How much does occupational therapy assistant salary increase over time in Plymouth?
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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 $97,856 for occupational therapy assistants in the Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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