Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Kent, WA: $51.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Kent, WA runs $51.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,044 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Kent's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,824 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Kent, Washington, can expect a median hourly pay of $51.94, which reflects a competitive position compared to the national median hourly rate of $49.71. This attractive pay range provides ample opportunities for part-time (three days a week) and per-diem workers, who can realize earnings within hospital rehabilitation settings, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, and even home health visits. The hourly pay scale varies significantly, ranging from $37.66 for entry-level positions to $71.79 for the highest earners, which illustrates the growth potential in this field. These figures represent estimates derived from annual salary data, translating into potential earnings that are vital for those considering a flexible work schedule in occupational therapy.
About the Kent 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) | $37.66 | $301.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.87 | $342.98 |
| Median (P50) | $51.94 | $415.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.50 | $499.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.79 | $574.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kent
Based on $51.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.94/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kent, WA can expect to earn approximately $108,040 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,331. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kent.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kent
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,077.69 | $9,003 | $108,040 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,246.61 | $5,402 | $64,824 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $831.08 | $3,601 | $43,216 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Kent) | $51.94 |
| 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 Kent, WA earn a median of $108,044 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.49% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 0.20% below the Washington state average of $108,261.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.94/hr = $64,824/year (purchasing power: $60,357).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,040/year (purchasing power: $100,596).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Kent (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Kent grew 18.1% from $42.67/hr (2019) to $50.40/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.53/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 Kent 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 Kent
Exploring the earning potential for a part-time occupational therapist working 24 hours a week in Kent shows a notable annual income that contrasts with full-time colleagues. While full-time therapists benefit from consistent salaries, part-time roles provide flexibility, albeit with a net income of approximately $56,000 annually based on their hourly pay. The per diem occupational therapist pay in Kent ranges widely, with typical billing rates between $50 and $75 per hour, providing ample opportunities for supplemental income. Specialty certifications like the CHT can lead to even higher earnings in cash-paying practices, where rates soar to $80-$110 per hour. Employer type influences these figures, as skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics may offer different compensation structures, including benefits that some therapists may forgo for higher hourly rates in agency work. Negotiating an hourly rate can be beneficial; it’s important to assess both immediate pay and holistic benefits like health insurance when entering discussions in Kent's job market.
More salary data for Kent, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Kent in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Kent?
Are occupational therapists in Kent paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Kent?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Kent?
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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 Kent. 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 Kent 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