Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Spokane, WA: $49.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Spokane, WA runs $49.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,318 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Spokane's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.3, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,390 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Spokane, Washington, earn a median hourly rate of $49.19, which is slightly below the national median of $49.71 for this profession. This competitive hourly wage offers flexibility for part-time workers, who typically may work three days a week, allowing them to earn a significant income while accommodating other responsibilities or pursuits. Additionally, per-diem occupational therapists in Spokane can benefit from varying pay levels based on the type of settings they choose to operate in, such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, or outpatient hand therapy clinics. The hourly pay for entry-level roles typically starts around $40.37, while seasoned professionals can command as much as $61.84 per hour, reflecting the wide pay range available in this field.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.37 | $322.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.88 | $343.07 |
| Median (P50) | $49.19 | $393.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.40 | $483.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.84 | $494.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Spokane
Based on $49.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.19/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Spokane, WA can expect to earn approximately $102,316 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,029. With a cost-of-living index of 100.35 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Spokane.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Spokane
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,967.62 | $8,526 | $102,316 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,180.57 | $5,116 | $61,390 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $787.05 | $3,411 | $40,927 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Spokane) | $49.19 |
| 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 Spokane, WA earn a median of $102,318 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.05% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 5.50% below the Washington state average of $108,273.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.19/hr = $61,390/year (purchasing power: $61,178).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,316/year (purchasing power: $101,964).
CoL index: 100.346 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$36.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Spokane (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Spokane grew 31.6% from $36.27/hr (2019) to $47.73/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.70/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 Spokane 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 Spokane
For those opting to work part-time at 24 hours a week, annual earnings are calculated considerably lower than those of full-time employees, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance. A per diem occupational therapist in Spokane often sees pricing that ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, with certified hand therapists (CHT) demanding even higher rates between $80 and $110 in specialty practices. Travel contracts frequently supplement these earnings, offering weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. Hourly rates can differ based on employer type—skilled nursing facilities may offer lower rates compared to outpatient clinics that provide specialized services. As a result, occupational therapists must weigh the trade-offs of lower-paying positions that offer benefits against higher hourly rates that lack health insurance and additional perks. For those considering negotiations, it is wise to understand industry standards and regional benchmarks, particularly in Spokane, to ensure fair compensation reflective of their expertise and certifications.
More salary data for Spokane, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Spokane in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Spokane?
Are occupational therapists in Spokane paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Spokane?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Spokane?
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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 Spokane. 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