What is the starting salary for Occupational Therapy graduates in Worcester?

The estimated starting salary for Occupational Therapy graduates in Worcester, MA is $58,500 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 117. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Worcester are 17% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Occupational Therapy degree worth it in Worcester?

A Occupational Therapy degree in Worcester has an estimated ROI payback period of 8.4 years, with a projected lifetime return of $496,512 after subtracting education costs. With 11 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $16,670/year, Worcester offers competitive options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 5.2% and the major's national unemployment rate of 1.5% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Occupational Therapy in Worcester?

The average annual public university tuition in Worcester is $16,670, while private universities average $56,344/year. Including room and board ($20,077/year), total 4-year costs range from $146,988 at a public school to $305,684 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Worcester is $15,422/year.

What jobs can Occupational Therapy graduates get in Worcester?

Occupational Therapy graduates in Worcester can pursue careers as Occupational Therapist, Hand Therapist, Pediatric OT. Key skills valued by local employers include Patient Assessment, Treatment Planning, Adaptive Equipment, Rehabilitation. The Worcester job market features Hospitals, Medical centers, Private practices among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include Hospitals, Rehab Centers, Schools.

How long to pay off student loans for Occupational Therapy in Worcester?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Occupational Therapy graduates in Worcester would pay $1,669/month on an estimated $146,988 in loans, with $53,294 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $2,876/month but save $27,723 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $58,500, monthly payments would represent 34% of gross monthly income.

Occupational Therapy Degree in Worcester, MA — Salary & ROI 2026

Occupational Therapy degree analysis for Worcester, MA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$59K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$91K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

8.4 yrs

in Worcester

Cost of Living

117

index (100 = avg)

Occupational Therapy in Worcester, MA Overview

Worcester, Massachusetts (pop. 206,518) has 11 colleges offering Occupational Therapy programs. The local cost of living index of 117 is higher than average, so budget accordingly, with average rent near campus at $1,228/month. Occupational Therapy has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Patient Assessment and Treatment Planning skills. The adjusted starting salary in Worcester is approximately $58,500, growing to $91,260 by mid-career.

Occupational Therapy Salary in Worcester (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Worcester's cost of living index of 117 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$58,500(+$8,500 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$91,260(+$13,260 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$105,300(+$15,300 vs national)

Note: National average Occupational Therapy salary: $50,000 starting, $78,000 mid-career, $90,000 senior level.Worcester adjustment factor: 1.17x based on the local cost of living index.

Occupational Therapy ROI Calculator for Worcester

Estimate your return on investment for a Occupational Therapy degree using local Worcester tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $16,670 | Private avg: $56,344

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Worcester avg aid: $15,422/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$146,988

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$17,550

vs HS diploma in Worcester

ROI Payback Period

8.4 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Worcester

$496,512

Lifetime earnings premium ($643,500) minus total education cost ($146,988)

Student Loan Payoff for Occupational Therapy in Worcester

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$146,988

Monthly Payment$1,669

Total Interest$53,294

% of Monthly Income34%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$146,988

Monthly Payment$2,876

Total Interest$25,571

Interest Savings$27,723

Colleges in Worcester for Occupational Therapy

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

private

$56,818/yr

$227,272 total

College of the Holy Cross

private

$55,870/yr

$223,480 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Quinsigamond Community College

$5,760/yr

Top Employers for Occupational Therapy in Worcester

Worcester offers opportunities in Hospitals, Medical centers, Private practices for Occupational Therapy graduates. National top employers in this field include:

HospitalsRehab CentersSchoolsHome Health AgenciesNursing Homes

Key Worcester Hiring Sectors for Healthcare

Hospitals

Medical centers

Private practices

Health systems

Pharma companies

Common Occupational Therapy Job Titles

Occupational TherapistHand TherapistPediatric OT

Occupational Therapy in Nearby Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA

$69K starting · COL 137

24 colleges

Springfield, MA

$67K starting · COL 133

6 colleges

Cambridge, MA

$67K starting · COL 133

6 colleges

Lowell, MA

$56K starting · COL 112.5

5 colleges

Brockton, MA

$54K starting · COL 108.5

5 colleges

Quincy, MA

$64K starting · COL 128.5

4 colleges

New Bedford, MA

$51K starting · COL 102.5

4 colleges

Lynn, MA

$59K starting · COL 118.5

4 colleges

Other Healthcare Majors in Worcester

Pharmacy

$59K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Health Informatics

$59K starting · 3.8 yr ROI

Nursing

$80K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Healthcare Administration

$59K starting · 4 yr ROI

Dental Hygiene

$59K starting · 3 yr ROI

Speech-Language Pathology

$59K starting · 4.2 yr ROI

Public Health

$59K starting · 5.2 yr ROI

Radiologic Technology

$59K starting · 3 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Occupational Therapy degree outcomes in Worcester, MA: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Occupational Therapy programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Massachusetts.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Worcester using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Occupational Therapy graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Occupational Therapy career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Occupational Therapy grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Worcester Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Massachusetts students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Massachusetts)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Massachusetts programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "massachusetts higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Occupational Therapy Degree in Worcester — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Occupational Therapy ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Worcester.

Occupational Therapy Overview Colleges in Worcester All Majors

Occupational Therapy Degree in Worcester, MA — Salary & ROI 2026

Occupational Therapy in Worcester, MA Overview

Occupational Therapy Salary in Worcester (COL-Adjusted)

Occupational Therapy ROI Calculator for Worcester

Student Loan Payoff for Occupational Therapy in Worcester

Standard Plan (10 years)

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Colleges in Worcester for Occupational Therapy

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Top Employers for Occupational Therapy in Worcester

Key Worcester Hiring Sectors for Healthcare

Common Occupational Therapy Job Titles

Occupational Therapy in Nearby Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA

Springfield, MA

Cambridge, MA

Lowell, MA

Brockton, MA

Quincy, MA

New Bedford, MA

Lynn, MA

Other Healthcare Majors in Worcester

Pharmacy

Health Informatics

Nursing

Healthcare Administration

Dental Hygiene

Speech-Language Pathology

Public Health

Radiologic Technology

Methodology & Education Data Sources

Financial Aid Resources for Worcester Students

Occupational Therapy Degree in Worcester — FAQ

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