Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Waltham, MA: $78,480 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Waltham, MA earns a median $78,480/year (≈ $37.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Waltham's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $72,332 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waltham, Massachusetts, the projected compensation for occupational therapy assistants reflects a robust local job market, with a median annual salary estimated at $78,480 for 2026. This figure is slightly above the national median of $74,332, indicating a favorable pay climate for those in this profession. The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Waltham spans from $57,172 at the 10th percentile to $96,871 at the 90th percentile, showing a significant disparity based on experience and setting. These estimates are derived from state-level data and regional cost adjustments, suggesting that productivity expectations and the number of patient visits each day are essential factors influencing compensation in this area.
About the Waltham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,172 | $27.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,358 | $32.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,480 | $37.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,640 | $42.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,871 | $46.57 |
Median Salary Position
5.58% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waltham
In Waltham, MA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,699 (2026 est.). At $78,480, the local median is 5.58% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Waltham: You'd be above the median
How Waltham Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Waltham median: $78,480/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waltham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $80,658 | -2.70% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +5.58% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Waltham, MA earn a median of $78,480 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.58% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $80,658.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waltham has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waltham, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,480 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,332 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,943
2025 BLS Actual
$76,335
2026 Current Est.
$78,480
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Waltham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,943 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,453 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,175 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,836 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,750 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,018 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,335 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,480 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,685 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waltham metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $64,943 (2019) to $76,335 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,685 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,742 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waltham 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) | $57,172 – $67,358 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,358 – $78,480 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,480 – $87,640 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,640 – $96,871 |
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 Waltham
A closer examination of the local employment landscape reveals that only 11 occupational therapy assistants are employed within Waltham, which highlights a competitive job market. The cost of living in the area, reflected by a 108.5 index rating, suggests that although salaries are relatively high, the purchasing power may be impacted by living expenses. Institutions such as skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation services typically offer the highest pay due to patient demand and treatment complexities. The variance in salary is influenced not only by the work setting but also by factors such as productivity expectations, the effects of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut, and the differences between year-round contracts versus those in school districts. For COTAs seeking to maximize their occupational therapy assistant pay in Waltham, gaining experience in high-demand settings and pursuing additional qualifications, such as advanced degrees, could be effective strategies in enhancing financial outcomes.
More salary data for Waltham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Waltham?
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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 $76,335 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Waltham 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 Waltham 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