Kennewick vs University Place: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Kennewick, WA and University Place, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | University Place, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,595 | $106,141▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.77 | $51.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,521▲ | $76,137 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,660▲ | $86,307 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,578▲ | $118,968 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,360 | $140,157▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 6 |
Verdict
University Place, WA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kennewick.
The salary gap between Kennewick and University Place is $546 (0.52%). University Place's median is +2.65% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kennewick spans $52,839,University Place spans $64,020. University Place has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kennewick ($105,512 effective) pays 6.76% more than University Place ($98,828 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,512)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose University Place if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,141/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,157)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Kennewick grew 14.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.2% growth in University Place over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$89,640 (2019) → $102,460 (2025)
University Place, WA
$103,217 (2024) → $102,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
University Place, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Kennewick or University Place?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and University Place?
Should I relocate from Kennewick to University Place as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Kennewick vs University Place?
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