Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Bellingham, WA: $52.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Bellingham, WA runs $52.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,234 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Bellingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.3, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,940 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Bellingham, Washington earn a median hourly rate of $52.03, marking an increase from the national median hourly pay of $49.71. This competitive hourly wage creates an attractive opportunity for both part-time and per-diem workers, whose schedules often involve 24 hours of work per week across various settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, and skilled nursing facilities. The hourly rate reflects a wide range, from entry-level practitioners earning $37.61 to seasoned professionals making as much as $63.63 per hour, providing ample room for growth and specialization. This data is sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, showcasing the evolving compensation landscape for occupational therapists in this region.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.61 | $300.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.60 | $356.83 |
| Median (P50) | $52.03 | $416.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.02 | $496.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.63 | $509.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellingham
Based on $52.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.03/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellingham, WA can expect to earn approximately $108,233 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,442. With a cost-of-living index of 103.33 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bellingham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,081.40 | $9,019 | $108,233 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,248.84 | $5,412 | $64,940 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $832.56 | $3,608 | $43,293 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Bellingham) | $52.03 |
| 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 Bellingham, WA earn a median of $108,234 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.68% higher than the national median of $103,400.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.03/hr = $64,940/year (purchasing power: $62,844).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,233/year (purchasing power: $104,741).
CoL index: 103.334 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Bellingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bellingham grew 19.4% from $42.29/hr (2019) to $50.49/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.63/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 Bellingham 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 Bellingham
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time occupational therapists in Bellingham reveals interesting dynamics. Working three days a week, an occupational therapist can expect to take home around $40,000 annually, a figure that contrasts sharply with the higher earning potential of full-time positions. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Bellingham typically varies between $50 to $75 per hour, with travel contracts offering lucrative weekly rates ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. Different employer types further shape these hourly rates; those in early intervention programs or home health agencies may see varied earnings compared to hospital settings. Additionally, the choice between accepting lower hourly wages for a job with benefits or pursuing higher pay without health insurance coverage is a critical decision for many in the field. A tactical approach to negotiations can include highlighting specialized credentials—such as CHT certification—because they command higher pay and reflect an advanced skill level sought after in Bellingham's competitive market.
More salary data for Bellingham, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bellingham in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Bellingham?
Are occupational therapists in Bellingham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Bellingham?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Bellingham?
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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 Bellingham. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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