Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Auburn, WA: $51.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Auburn, WA runs $51.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,985 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Auburn's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,194 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Auburn, Washington, occupational therapists earn a median hourly rate of $51.44, which positions them above the national median hourly rate of $49.71. This advantageous rate makes the profession appealing for part-time workers and per-diem occupational therapists alike. For those working three days a week, this pay translates to a considerable return while providing flexibility in their schedules. The hourly pay range for occupational therapists in this region starts at $34.70 for entry-level positions and can reach up to $68.69 for top earners, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in various settings, including hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and outpatient clinics. These figures are projected from annual salary data to illustrate potential earnings for the profession in 2026.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.70 | $277.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.38 | $339.03 |
| Median (P50) | $51.44 | $411.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.78 | $486.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.69 | $549.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Auburn
Based on $51.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.44/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Auburn, WA can expect to earn approximately $106,989 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,725. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Auburn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Auburn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,057.49 | $8,916 | $106,989 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,234.49 | $5,349 | $64,194 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $823.00 | $3,566 | $42,796 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Auburn) | $51.44 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Auburn, WA earn a median of $106,985 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.47% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $108,284.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.44/hr = $64,194/year (purchasing power: $59,771).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,989/year (purchasing power: $99,618).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Auburn grew 18.1% from $42.26/hr (2019) to $49.91/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.01/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapist in Auburn
Evaluating the financial prospects for part-time occupational therapists reveals a substantial difference in annual earnings compared to full-time professionals. A therapist who works 24 hours a week would generate an annual income significantly lower than a full-time counterpart, which can limit healthcare benefits unless they choose to work more hours or find positions offering such perks. The per-diem occupational therapist pay in Auburn tends to fluctuate between $50 and $75 per hour, while certified hand therapists can even secure $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Additionally, travel contracts can yield impressive weekly salaries between $1,800 and $2,800, appealing to those open to flexible working conditions. Employment settings, such as skilled nursing facilities and school districts, contribute to varying hourly rates, impacting overall compensation packages, including benefits. Many therapists find themselves weighing the trade-offs of lower hourly rates that offer health insurance against higher pay without benefits, highlighting the need for strategic negotiation skills specific to the Auburn market.
More salary data for Auburn, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Auburn in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Auburn?
Are occupational therapists in Auburn paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Auburn?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Auburn?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Auburn. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Auburn is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov