Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Wellesley, MA: $36.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Wellesley, MA runs $36.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,619 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Wellesley's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,972 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wellesley, Massachusetts, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected at $36.84, which exceeds the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This competitive compensation is significant for both part-time and per-diem workers who may typically find themselves in diverse settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. Entry-level positions start around $27.45 per hour, while the highest earners can command up to $45.06 per hour. These figures are based on estimates derived from annual salary data, reflecting the robust demand for occupational therapy assistants in this affluent area of MA.
About the Wellesley 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) | $27.45 | $219.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.94 | $255.54 |
| Median (P50) | $36.84 | $294.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.41 | $323.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.06 | $360.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wellesley
Based on $36.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.84/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wellesley, MA can expect to earn approximately $76,621 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,204. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wellesley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wellesley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,473.47 | $6,385 | $76,621 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $884.08 | $3,831 | $45,972 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $589.39 | $2,554 | $30,648 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Wellesley) | $36.84 |
| 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 Wellesley, MA earn a median of $76,619 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.08% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 5.00% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,652.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.84/hr = $45,972/year (purchasing power: $42,371).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,621/year (purchasing power: $70,618).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Wellesley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Wellesley grew 17.5% from $30.48/hr (2019) to $35.83/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.87/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 Wellesley 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 Wellesley
For those considering part-time roles, working three days a week as an occupational therapy assistant can yield a decent income, with an estimated annual take-home amount that, while less than full-time positions, can still be attractive for many. Per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Wellesley typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, depending on the employer and the specific demands of the position. It’s important to note that while skilled nursing facility jobs may offer hourly rates that seem favorable, they're influenced by recent reimbursement cuts, making alternative settings such as outpatient clinics increasingly appealing. Hourly rates vary significantly across employers, influenced by benefits packages and specific job expectations; some COTAs may sacrifice a higher hourly wage for health insurance. When negotiating your pay, consider emphasizing specialized skills and adaptability to capture offers that align closely with your career goals in Wellesley.
More salary data for Wellesley, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Wellesley in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Wellesley?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Wellesley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Wellesley?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Wellesley?
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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 Wellesley. 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 Wellesley 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