Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Chelmsford, MA: $76,663 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Chelmsford, MA earns a median $76,663/year (≈ $36.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Chelmsford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $70,657 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Among the various employment settings for occupational therapy assistants, Chelmsford, MA, showcases significant salary potential in the current market. In 2026, estimates point to a median annual salary of $76,663, which is slightly above the national median of $74,332, representing a 3.14% premium for local practitioners. The projected salary range varies considerably, with the bottom 10% earning around $56,878 and the top 10% making up to $94,062. These figures are informed by state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations, highlighting the importance of assessing local job dynamics. Given the ongoing impacts of post-Medicare cuts, the salary structures are further influenced by provider types, with skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics typically offering different compensation levels compared to school districts and early intervention programs.
About the Chelmsford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,878 | $27.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,531 | $31.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,663 | $36.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,049 | $40.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,062 | $45.23 |
Median Salary Position
3.14% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelmsford
In Chelmsford, MA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,184 (2026 est.). At $76,663, the local median is 3.14% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Chelmsford: You'd be above the median
How Chelmsford Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Chelmsford median: $76,663/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelmsford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $80,613 | -4.90% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +3.14% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $76,663 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.14% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,613.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelmsford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelmsford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,663 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,657 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,440
2025 BLS Actual
$74,568
2026 Current Est.
$76,663
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,440 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,914 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,666 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,265 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,112 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,258 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,568 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,663 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,818 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelmsford metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $63,440 (2019) to $74,568 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,818 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,378 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelmsford 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) | $56,878 – $66,531 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,531 – $76,663 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,663 – $84,049 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,049 – $94,062 |
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 Chelmsford
In terms of the job market, Chelmsford employs eight occupational therapy assistants, reflecting a niche but established presence in the field. With a cost of living index at 108.5, which is above the national average, financial considerations become crucial for prospective COTAs. Employers in skilled nursing facilities tend to compensate more favorably than those in educational settings, particularly in light of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for OTA services that took effect in 2022. This cut has influenced how much do occupational therapy assistants make in Chelmsford, pushing pay scales downward in lower-funded environments like schools. To optimize earning potential in this specific market, COTAs should seek employment in settings that value productivity and offer year-round contracts. Exploring roles in outpatient rehabilitation may also yield better take-home pay due to the higher demand for services in that sector.
More salary data for Chelmsford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Chelmsford, MA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Chelmsford?
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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 $74,568 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford 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