Occupational Therapist Pay

Kent vs Spokane: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapist salaries between Kent, WA and Spokane, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Kent, WA
$108,044
$51.94/hr
Spokane, WA
$102,318
$49.19/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKent, WASpokane, WA
Median Salary$108,044$102,318
Hourly Rate$51.94$49.19
Entry Level (P10)$78,339$83,973
25th Percentile$89,185$89,209
75th Percentile$129,986$125,640
Top Earner (P90)$149,336$128,619
Total Employed33320
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Kent ($108,044) and Spokane ($102,318) occupational therapist salaries.KentSpokaneMedian Salary$108,044$102,318Entry Level (P10)$78,339$83,973Top Earner (P90)$149,336$128,619US Median $103,400

Verdict

Kent, WA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Spokane.

The salary gap between Kent and Spokane is $5,726 (5.60%). Kent's median is +4.49% compared to the US national median of $103,400.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kent spans $70,997,Spokane spans $44,646. Kent has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Kent
P10 (Entry)$78,339
P25$89,185
Median$108,044
P75$129,986
P90 (Top)$149,336
Spokane
P10 (Entry)$83,973
P25$89,209
Median$102,318
P75$125,640
P90 (Top)$128,619

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Spokane ($101,965 effective) pays 1.36% more than Kent ($100,600 effective).

Kent
Nominal: $108,044
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $100,600
Spokane
Nominal: $102,318
CoL Index: 100.346
Adjusted: $101,965

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Kent if…

  • Higher median salary ($108,044/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($149,336)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Spokane if…

  • Larger job market (320 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,965)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Kent grew -0.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.6% growth in Spokane over the same period.

Kent, WA

+-0.2%

$105,067 (2024) → $104,836 (2025)

Spokane, WA

+31.6%

$75,440 (2019) → $99,280 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Kent or Spokane?

Kent has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $108,044/year, compared to Spokane at $102,318/year — a difference of $5,726 (5.60%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Kent and Spokane?

Kent occupational therapists earn $51.94/hr while Spokane hygienists earn $49.19/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Kent to Spokane as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Kent and Spokane. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Kent = $100,600, Spokane = $101,965), job availability (33 vs 320 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Kent vs Spokane?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $78,339 in Kent and $83,973 in Spokane. The Spokane area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JM

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Chen, OTR/LData verified by Luis Garcia, OTR/L

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