Occupational Therapist Pay

Pasco vs Seattle: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Pasco, WA
$105,604
$50.77/hr
Seattle, WA
$113,222
$54.44/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPasco, WASeattle, WA
Median Salary$105,604$113,222
Hourly Rate$50.77$54.44
Entry Level (P10)$77,628$86,210
25th Percentile$87,683$100,112
75th Percentile$123,294$133,906
Top Earner (P90)$138,387$142,274
Total Employed182,020
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Pasco ($105,604) and Seattle ($113,222) occupational therapist salaries.PascoSeattleMedian Salary$105,604$113,222Entry Level (P10)$77,628$86,210Top Earner (P90)$138,387$142,274US Median $103,400

Verdict

Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pasco.

The salary gap between Pasco and Seattle is $7,618 (7.21%). Seattle's median is +9.50% compared to the US national median of $103,400.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pasco spans $60,759,Seattle spans $56,064. Pasco has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Pasco
P10 (Entry)$77,628
P25$87,683
Median$105,604
P75$123,294
P90 (Top)$138,387
Seattle
P10 (Entry)$86,210
P25$100,112
Median$113,222
P75$133,906
P90 (Top)$142,274

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($101,880 effective) pays 3.61% more than Pasco ($98,328 effective).

Pasco
Nominal: $105,604
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $98,328
Seattle
Nominal: $113,222
CoL Index: 111.133
Adjusted: $101,880

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Pasco if…

  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Seattle if…

  • Higher median salary ($113,222/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($142,274)
  • Larger job market (2,020 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,880)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Pasco grew -0.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.5% growth in Seattle over the same period.

Pasco, WA

+-0.2%

$102,695 (2024) → $102,468 (2025)

Seattle, WA

+29.5%

$84,820 (2019) → $109,860 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Pasco or Seattle?

Seattle has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $113,222/year, compared to Pasco at $105,604/year — a difference of $7,618 (7.21%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Pasco and Seattle?

Pasco occupational therapists earn $50.77/hr while Seattle hygienists earn $54.44/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Pasco to Seattle as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Pasco and Seattle. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Pasco = $98,328, Seattle = $101,880), job availability (18 vs 2,020 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Pasco vs Seattle?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $77,628 in Pasco and $86,210 in Seattle. The Seattle 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