Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Amherst, MA: $79,917 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Amherst, MA earns a median $79,917/year (≈ $38.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Amherst's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $73,656 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant salary in Amherst, Massachusetts, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $79,917, which is a notable increase compared to the national median of $74,332. The salary range for these professionals spans from $56,118 at the 10th percentile to $93,924 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price levels. The attractive salary structure reflects the demand for qualified occupational therapy assistants in this academic town, which not only houses a vibrant student community but also hosts several healthcare facilities that may help justify the competitive pay.
About the Amherst Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,118 | $26.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,631 | $34.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,917 | $38.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,101 | $40.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,924 | $45.15 |
Median Salary Position
7.51% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Amherst
In Amherst, MA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,806 (2026 est.). At $79,917, the local median is 7.51% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Amherst: You'd be above the median
How Amherst Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Amherst median: $79,917/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Amherst Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $80,643 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +7.51% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Amherst, MA earn a median of $79,917 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.51% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,643.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Amherst has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Amherst, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,917 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,656 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,132
2025 BLS Actual
$77,733
2026 Current Est.
$79,917
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Amherst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,132 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,670 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,369 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,078 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,045 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,410 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,733 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,917 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,163 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Amherst metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $66,132 (2019) to $77,733 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,163 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,031 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Amherst 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $56,118 – $71,631 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,631 – $79,917 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,917 – $85,101 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,101 – $93,924 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Amherst
The job market for occupational therapy assistants in Amherst consists of about six professionals currently employed in the area, providing a tight-knit community for those in the field. With a cost of living index of 108.5, amid rising living expenses, take-home pay is an essential consideration for potential job seekers. Local employers, including skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics, often drive pay variances, making it crucial for graduates to target higher-paying settings. Strategic employment choices, such as accepting positions with weekend or PRN shifts, can enhance earnings, especially with the ongoing impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut introduced in 2022. As the demand for occupational therapy services continues to grow, those looking to maximize their compensation should consider pathways like the COTA-to-MOT bridge, which can lead to advanced roles in the field.
More salary data for Amherst, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $77,733 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Amherst metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Amherst 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