Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Pullman, WA: $49.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Pullman, WA runs $49.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,874 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Pullman's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,329 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pullman, Washington, the 2026 median hourly pay for occupational therapists stands at $49.94, which is slightly above the national median of $49.71. This competitive hourly rate allows for a reasonable income for those working part-time or in per-diem roles. For occupational therapists putting in three days a week, this pay translates into solid earnings, especially in diverse environments such as hospital rehabilitation units, schools, and home health settings. The hourly range spans from $38.16 at the entry level to $65.74 for top earners. These estimates based on annual salary data reflect the income potential of occupational therapists in Pullman, making it a viable option for those considering a balance between professional commitment and personal time.
About the Pullman 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) | $38.16 | $305.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.34 | $338.70 |
| Median (P50) | $49.94 | $399.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.65 | $469.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.74 | $525.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pullman
Based on $49.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.94/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pullman, WA can expect to earn approximately $103,881 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,931. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pullman.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pullman
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,997.72 | $8,657 | $103,881 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,198.63 | $5,194 | $62,329 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $799.09 | $3,463 | $41,552 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Pullman) | $49.94 |
| 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 Pullman, WA earn a median of $103,874 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.46% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 4.00% below the Washington state average of $108,202.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.94/hr = $62,329/year (purchasing power: $58,034).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,881/year (purchasing power: $96,724).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Pullman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Pullman grew 18.1% from $41.03/hr (2019) to $48.46/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.47/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 Pullman 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 Pullman
Exploring the earning potential for part-time occupational therapists reveals that working just 24 hours a week results in a significant annual income, contrasting sharply with full-time earnings. Per-diem occupational therapists typically charge between $50 and $75 per hour, with those holding a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential often earning between $80 and $110 in specialized cash-pay practices. Travel OT contracts offer even greater financial opportunities, sometimes reaching $1,800 to $2,800 per week. Across various employer types in Pullman, hourly rates can differ—skilled nursing facilities may offer less compared to hospital inpatient rehab or outpatient hand therapy clinics. Many occupational therapists must weigh the benefits of stable employment that includes health insurance against the allure of higher hourly rates without benefits. Those negotiating their pay in Pullman should be aware of these dynamics and consider factors such as employer type, specialty credentials, and the demand for services in the area to optimize their compensation.
More salary data for Pullman, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Pullman in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Pullman?
Are occupational therapists in Pullman paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Pullman?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Pullman?
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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 Pullman. 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 Pullman 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