Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Dartmouth, MA: $78,559 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Dartmouth, MA earns a median $78,559/year (≈ $37.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Dartmouth's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $72,405 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the outlook for occupational therapy assistants in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, is promising, with a median annual salary of $78,559. This figure positions the area slightly above the projected national median of $74,332, reflecting a positive compensation trend for local professionals. The salary range for this occupation varies considerably, from $55,278 at the lower end (P10) to $97,107 for the highest earners (P90). These estimates are derived from state-level data throughout Massachusetts and account for regional cost adjustments. Given the small pool of five occupational therapy assistants employed in the region, competition for roles may inform salary negotiations and higher productivity expectations can significantly influence earnings.
About the Dartmouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,278 | $26.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,711 | $31.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,559 | $37.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,804 | $41.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,107 | $46.69 |
Median Salary Position
5.69% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dartmouth
In Dartmouth, MA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,829 (2026 est.). At $78,559, the local median is 5.69% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Dartmouth: You'd be above the median
How Dartmouth Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Dartmouth median: $78,559/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dartmouth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $80,656 | -2.60% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +5.69% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Dartmouth, MA earn a median of $78,559 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.69% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,656.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dartmouth has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dartmouth, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,559 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,405 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,008
2025 BLS Actual
$76,412
2026 Current Est.
$78,559
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Dartmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,008 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,520 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,241 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,904 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,821 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,095 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,412 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,559 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,767 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dartmouth metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $65,008 (2019) to $76,412 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,767 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,759 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dartmouth 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) | $55,278 – $65,711 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,711 – $78,559 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,559 – $86,804 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,804 – $97,107 |
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 Dartmouth
However, the cost of living in Dartmouth, with a CoL index of 108.5, adds complexity to salary expectations and purchasing power. While healthcare settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital inpatient rehab, and outpatient clinics typically offer higher pay, the disparities in compensation often stem from varied productivity demands and the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut on specific care environments. Factors such as weekend and PRN premiums, as well as the nature of school contracts—year-round versus academic year—can influence pay scales among occupational therapy assistants in Dartmouth MA. For those in pursuit of maximizing their earnings, focusing on skill development and seeking employment in higher-paying settings could serve as effective strategies in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Dartmouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Dartmouth, MA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Dartmouth?
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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 $76,412 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Dartmouth 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 Dartmouth 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