Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Framingham, MA: $38.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Framingham, MA runs $38.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,837 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Framingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,500 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Framingham, Massachusetts, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $38.86 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national average of $35.74. This rate enhances the appeal of part-time positions, making it viable for those working three days a week to earn a considerable income without committing to full-time work. In typical occupational therapy settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, education settings, outpatient clinics, and home health visits, hourly wages range from $27.04 for entry-level positions to as much as $47.69 for experienced practitioners. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, showing the potential for good earnings based on hours worked and providing a clear picture of the financial rewards in the role of an occupational therapy assistant in Framingham.
About the Framingham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.04 | $216.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.41 | $259.25 |
| Median (P50) | $38.86 | $310.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.50 | $340.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.69 | $381.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Framingham
Based on $38.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.86/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Framingham, MA can expect to earn approximately $80,833 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,635. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Framingham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Framingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,554.49 | $6,736 | $80,833 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $932.69 | $4,042 | $48,500 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $621.79 | $2,694 | $32,333 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Framingham) | $38.86 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Framingham, MA earn a median of $80,837 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.75% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.20% above the Massachusetts state average of $80,676.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.86/hr = $48,500/year (purchasing power: $44,700).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,833/year (purchasing power: $74,501).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Framingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Framingham grew 17.5% from $32.16/hr (2019) to $37.80/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.95/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Framingham 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Framingham
For professionals considering part-time opportunities, earning as an occupational therapy assistant can lead to different financial outcomes when compared to full-time roles. A COTA employed three days a week for 24 hours annually could anticipate a substantial income, though it may not reach the heights of full-time earnings. Meanwhile, per diem occupational therapy assistants often earn between $30 and $45 per hour, aligning their work with more flexible schedules without the commitment of permanent positions. However, the recent 15% Medicare Part B reimbursement cut for OTA-provided services has impacted overall compensation potential, particularly in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient settings. Rates can fluctuate based on various factors, including employer type—such as hospitals versus schools or home health agencies—and the decision between seeking higher hourly pay or benefits packages. Negotiating for better pay in Framingham might mean understanding these dynamics and capitalizing on them when discussing contract terms.
More salary data for Framingham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Framingham in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Framingham?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Framingham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Framingham?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Framingham?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Framingham. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Framingham 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