Burien vs Olympia: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Burien, WA and Olympia, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burien, WA | Olympia, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,730 | $108,687▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.80 | $52.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,466 | $86,004▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $89,655 | $98,010▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $128,176 | $128,897▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,724▲ | $130,876 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Olympia, WA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Burien.
The salary gap between Burien and Olympia is $957 (0.89%). Olympia's median is +5.11% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burien spans $66,258,Olympia spans $44,872. Burien has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Olympia ($104,839 effective) pays 4.52% more than Burien ($100,307 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burien if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($145,724)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,687/year)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,839)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Burien grew -0.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.6% growth in Olympia over the same period.
Burien, WA
$104,762 (2024) → $104,531 (2025)
Olympia, WA
$87,430 (2019) → $105,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burien, WA
Olympia, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Burien or Olympia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burien and Olympia?
Should I relocate from Burien to Olympia as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Burien vs Olympia?
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Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov