Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Haverhill, MA: $56,043 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Haverhill, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,043 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Haverhill's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,653 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,895) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Haverhill, Massachusetts, new graduates entering the field as occupational therapy assistants can expect a starting salary around $56,043 in 2026. This entry-level pay presents a noticeable gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $80,895, illustrating a clear growth trajectory for COTAs over their first few years. As new graduates gain experience, they may progress to a first-quartile salary of $67,512, demonstrating the potential for salary increases within the initial three to five years in this profession. With a local demand for COTAs, particularly within skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and rehabilitation centers, Haverhill offers a supportive market for those fresh out of school looking to make their mark in the healthcare sector.
About the Haverhill Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Haverhill
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Haverhill
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Haverhill, MA typically start between $56,043 and $67,512 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,611 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,895 — 8.83% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $38,000 represents just 67.81% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($56,043/year) in Haverhill. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school settings.
OTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Haverhill
- 1Research the Haverhill market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $56,043 to $67,512, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Haverhill, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Haverhill for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Haverhill's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Compensation Range
The occupational therapy assistant wage spread in Haverhill is $40,611 ( 72.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,043, experienced hygienists can earn up to $96,654.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,178
2025 BLS Actual
$54,511
2026 Current Est.
$56,043
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Haverhill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,178 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,713 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,556 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,753 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,526 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,743 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,511 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,043 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,618 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Haverhill, MA grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,178 in 2019 to $54,511 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,618. New graduates entering the Haverhill job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Haverhill 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.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Haverhill
New occupational therapy assistants seeking employment in Haverhill can explore various opportunities, with many local skilled nursing facilities being the most prominent employers of recent graduates. Positions in school districts may also appeal to those wishing to enjoy a summer schedule free from work obligations. While outpatient clinics often prefer experienced practitioners, they frequently offer training for new grads focusing on pediatric or hand-therapy support. To enhance starting pay in MA, securing an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, obtaining COTA credentials from the NBCOT, and acquiring the necessary state license are essential steps. Given the 15% Medicare Part B cut implemented in 2022 affecting OTA services, compensation in settings such as SNFs may fluctuate. Strategic first few years may involve targeting roles that provide supervision under licensed OTs and considering continued education options, including advanced practice areas through AOTA, to foster long-term career growth.
More salary data for Haverhill, 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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Haverhill. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Haverhill 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