Olympia vs Tacoma: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Olympia, WA and Tacoma, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Olympia, WA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,687 | $111,334▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.25 | $53.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,004▲ | $77,454 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,010▲ | $89,921 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,897 | $135,253▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,876 | $156,857▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 56 |
Verdict
Tacoma, WA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Olympia.
The salary gap between Olympia and Tacoma is $2,647 (2.44%). Tacoma's median is +7.67% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Olympia spans $44,872,Tacoma spans $79,403. Tacoma 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, Olympia ($104,839 effective) pays 1.13% more than Tacoma ($103,663 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,839)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tacoma if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,334/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($156,857)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Olympia grew 20.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.3% growth in Tacoma over the same period.
Olympia, WA
$87,430 (2019) → $105,460 (2025)
Tacoma, WA
$106,601 (2024) → $108,028 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olympia, WA
Tacoma, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Olympia or Tacoma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Olympia and Tacoma?
Should I relocate from Olympia to Tacoma as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Olympia vs Tacoma?
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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