Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Pittsfield, MA: $38.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Pittsfield, MA runs $38.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,548 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Pittsfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,730 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pittsfield, occupational therapy assistants earn a median hourly pay of $38.25, which exceeds the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This competitive hourly rate offers attractive compensation for part-time and per-diem professionals seeking flexibility in their schedules. Working in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits, COTAs can earn anywhere from $27.71 as entry-level employees to $44.51 for those at the top of the pay scale. These figures are based on estimated annual salary data projected for 2026, reflecting the region's labor market dynamics.
About the Pittsfield 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) | $27.71 | $221.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.06 | $272.49 |
| Median (P50) | $38.25 | $305.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.57 | $324.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.51 | $356.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pittsfield
Based on $38.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.25/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pittsfield, MA can expect to earn approximately $79,550 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,894. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pittsfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pittsfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,529.81 | $6,629 | $79,550 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $917.89 | $3,978 | $47,730 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $611.93 | $2,652 | $31,820 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Pittsfield) | $38.25 |
| 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 Pittsfield, MA earn a median of $79,548 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.02% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,678.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.25/hr = $47,730/year (purchasing power: $43,991).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,550/year (purchasing power: $73,318).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pittsfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Pittsfield grew 17.5% from $31.65/hr (2019) to $37.20/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.32/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 Pittsfield 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 Pittsfield
For those considering part-time work, an occupational therapy assistant in Pittsfield can expect to take home a substantial income even while working just three days a week. Annually, this equates to approximately $47,628 based on a 24-hour workweek, significantly less than a full-time salary but still providing a solid earning potential. In the per-diem realm, pay rates can range from $30 to $45 per hour, and contracted COTAs may see weekly pay between $1,100 and $1,700, depending on the job type and situation. However, the shifting landscape after the 15% Medicare cut in 2022 has compelled some COTAs to make trade-offs, accepting lower hourly pay in positions with health benefits. Different employer types, such as skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and outpatient clinics, offer varying rates and benefits, making negotiation vital for hourly workers. For those navigating Pittsfield's job market, effectively discussing salary expectations and benefit packages can lead to better opportunities tailored to personal preferences and career goals.
More salary data for Pittsfield, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Pittsfield in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Pittsfield?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Pittsfield paid hourly or salary?
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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
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 Pittsfield. 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 Pittsfield 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