Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Maple Valley, WA: $49.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Maple Valley, WA runs $49.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,966 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Maple Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,776 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Maple Valley, the median hourly pay for occupational therapists is projected to be $49.50 in 2026. This figure positions local OTs slightly below the national hourly median of $49.71. Such rates allow for a flexible work-life balance, particularly appealing to part-time professionals who may work three days a week, earning a respectable income while potentially engaging in other pursuits. The hourly range in the area extends from $37.07 for entry-level positions to $62.46 for more experienced therapists. Facilities like hospital rehab units, skilled nursing care, and outpatient clinics commonly hire OTs, and the hourly wage reflects the increased demand for skilled practitioners across diverse settings.
About the Maple Valley 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) | $37.07 | $296.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.35 | $322.78 |
| Median (P50) | $49.50 | $396.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.60 | $452.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.46 | $499.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Maple Valley
Based on $49.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.50/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Maple Valley, WA can expect to earn approximately $102,959 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,400. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Maple Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Maple Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,979.99 | $8,580 | $102,959 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,187.99 | $5,148 | $61,776 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $792.00 | $3,432 | $41,184 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Maple Valley) | $49.50 |
| 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 Maple Valley, WA earn a median of $102,966 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.42% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.90% below the Washington state average of $108,272.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.50/hr = $61,776/year (purchasing power: $57,519).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,959/year (purchasing power: $95,865).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Maple Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Maple Valley grew 18.1% from $40.67/hr (2019) to $48.03/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.01/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 Maple Valley 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 Maple Valley
Considering the options available, part-time occupational therapists working 24 hours a week can expect significant annual take-home pay compared to full-time colleagues, depending on their working arrangement. Per diem occupational therapy roles often offer varying compensation, typically billing $50 to $75 per hour, while hand therapists with the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) specialty can command even higher rates in cash-pay practices, ranging from $80 to $110 per hour. Travel contracts for OTs can attract weekly earnings between $1,800 and $2,800, emphasizing the financial opportunities available. Within different employer types, hourly rates can vary; for example, those employed in skilled nursing facilities may earn less than OTs in outpatient centers or school districts. Occupational therapists often face a trade-off between the allure of higher hourly pay without benefits and positions offering more comprehensive employee advantages. It’s advisable for those in Maple Valley to consider their negotiation strategy carefully, focusing on market demand, personal specialization, and the benefits that come with their employment agreement.
More salary data for Maple Valley, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Maple Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Maple Valley?
Are occupational therapists in Maple Valley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Maple Valley?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Maple Valley?
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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 Maple Valley. 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 Maple Valley 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