Federal Way vs Kennewick: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Federal Way, WA and Kennewick, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Federal Way, WA | Kennewick, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,257▲ | $105,595 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.56▲ | $50.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,557 | $79,521▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,617 | $95,660▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $125,732 | $128,578▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,681▲ | $132,360 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Federal Way, WA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kennewick.
The salary gap between Federal Way and Kennewick is $1,662 (1.57%). Federal Way's median is +3.73% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Federal Way spans $66,124,Kennewick spans $52,839. Federal Way 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, Kennewick ($105,512 effective) pays 5.65% more than Federal Way ($99,867 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Federal Way if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,257/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($142,681)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,512)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Federal Way grew -0.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.3% growth in Kennewick over the same period.
Federal Way, WA
$104,302 (2024) → $104,072 (2025)
Kennewick, WA
$89,640 (2019) → $102,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Federal Way, WA
Kennewick, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Federal Way or Kennewick?
What is the hourly rate difference between Federal Way and Kennewick?
Should I relocate from Federal Way to Kennewick as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Federal Way vs Kennewick?
Related Comparisons
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