SalaryNode

Average Occupational Therapists Salary in Massachusetts

Occupational Therapists in Massachusetts earn an average annual salary of $96,790, which is slightly below the national average of $99,240. This marginal difference is often influenced by the state's robust healthcare sector and the specific demand dynamics within its urban and suburban centers.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $96,790 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $122,490.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 6,250 Occupational Therapists, Massachusetts demonstrates a significant concentration of these professionals, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.74. This suggests a strong and established presence, pointing towards a stable and potentially growing job market for OTs within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$96,790

The average Occupational Therapists in Massachusetts earns-2.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$46.5

Weekly

$1,861

Monthly

$8,066

Occupational Therapists Salary Distribution in Massachusetts

The career trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Massachusetts typically involves a noticeable salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as OTs gain specialized skills and years of practice, their earning potential can climb significantly, reflecting in higher percentile salaries and greater career responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$73,020$35.1
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$72,593$34.9
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$98,420$47.3
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$120,988$58.2
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$122,490$58.9

Detailed Occupational Therapists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$96,790

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$65,222

Adjusted for COL (148.4)

While the nominal salary of $96,790 appears substantial, it must be considered within the context of Massachusetts's Cost of Living Index of 148.4. This significantly elevated cost of living means that the purchasing power of an OT's salary in Massachusetts is considerably less than the national average, requiring careful financial planning for residents.

Job Market Context

6,250

Total Jobs

1.716

Per 1K Jobs

1.74

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Massachusetts has 1.7x the national concentration of Occupational Therapists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The Location Quotient of 1.74 for Occupational Therapists in Massachusetts indicates a job market that is 74% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a high demand and a robust professional community, making it a potentially competitive but also rewarding environment for OTs seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapists

CitySalaryDist.
Worcester, MA Occupational Therapists Salary$95,280↓ 2%14 mi
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Occupational Therapists Salary$97,110↑ 0%24 mi
Providence-Warwick, RI-MA Occupational Therapists Salary$96,240↓ 1%29 mi
Amherst Town-Northampton, MA Occupational Therapists Salary$92,920↓ 4%52 mi
Springfield, MA Occupational Therapists Salary$91,620↓ 5%52 mi

Comparing salaries near Massachusetts

Hiring Occupational Therapistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Occupational Therapists make in Massachusetts?

The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapists in Massachusetts is $96,790. This typically ranges from $73,020 for entry-level positions to $122,490 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Massachusetts is 2.5% lower than the national median of $99,240.

Is Massachusetts a lucrative place for Occupational Therapists?

Yes, but with caveats.Massachusetts offers a high average salary for Occupational Therapists, exceeding many other states. However, the significantly higher cost of living must be factored into its overall lucrativeness.

Is Massachusetts a good place to live for Occupational Therapists?

The Cost of Living Index in Massachusetts is 148.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Massachusetts?

Some top paying nearby cities include Worcester, MA ($95,280) and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH.

How does the Massachusetts OT salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Occupational Therapists in Massachusetts is $96,790, which is slightly lower than the national average of $99,240.

What is the concentration of Occupational Therapists in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts has a high concentration of Occupational Therapists, with a Location Quotient of 1.74, indicating it is significantly more concentrated than the national average.

How does the cost of living affect an OT's salary in Massachusetts?

With a Cost of Living Index of 148.4, the $96,790 salary in Massachusetts has less purchasing power compared to the national average, meaning residents need to earn more to maintain a similar standard of living.

What is the total number of Occupational Therapists in Massachusetts?

There are approximately 6,250 Occupational Therapists employed in Massachusetts.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,250 employees in the Massachusetts area with a job density of 1.716 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Occupational Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Massachusetts