Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Tacoma, WA: $53.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Tacoma, WA runs $53.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,334 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Tacoma's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,805 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Tacoma, Washington, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $53.53 in 2026, which is higher than the national median of $49.71. This hourly rate allows for a substantial income for professionals working part-time, such as those who may choose to work three days a week in various settings including hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. For per-diem workers, rates can range significantly based on experience and specialization, with entry-level positions starting around $37.24, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $75.41 per hour. The variance within the hourly wage indicates there are opportunities for occupational therapists to substantially increase their earnings through specialization, such as obtaining the CHT (Certified Hand Therapist) credential, or working in high-demand areas like home health visits.
About the Tacoma 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) | $37.24 | $297.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.23 | $345.87 |
| Median (P50) | $53.53 | $428.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.02 | $520.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75.41 | $603.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tacoma
Based on $53.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.53/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tacoma, WA can expect to earn approximately $111,341 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,235. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tacoma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tacoma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,141.17 | $9,278 | $111,341 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,284.70 | $5,567 | $66,805 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $856.47 | $3,711 | $44,536 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Tacoma) | $53.53 |
| 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 Tacoma, WA earn a median of $111,334 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.67% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.90% above the Washington state average of $108,196.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.53/hr = $66,805/year (purchasing power: $62,202).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,341/year (purchasing power: $103,670).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Tacoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Tacoma grew 18.1% from $43.98/hr (2019) to $51.94/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.17/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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma
Yearly earnings for part-time occupational therapists who work approximately 24 hours a week in Tacoma could total over $66,000, creating a viable income for those seeking flexible schedules. For per-diem occupational therapists, they commonly bill between $50 and $75 per hour, and those with CHT credentials can command rates hitting $80 to $110 per hour, especially in private, cash-pay practices. Travel OT contracts offer alluring weekly rates as high as $2,800, reflecting the diversity of opportunities available in this field. Depending on employer type, hourly rates can differ; for instance, skilled nursing facilities may offer competitive compensation but often provide benefits that private practices might not. When negotiating pay, it's advantageous for occupational therapists to consider value beyond the hourly wage, weighing the benefits of health insurance against potentially higher pay without benefits in certain roles. Knowledge of local industry standards and networking within Tacoma can also enhance negotiations.
More salary data for Tacoma, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Tacoma in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Tacoma?
Are occupational therapists in Tacoma paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Tacoma?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Tacoma?
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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 Tacoma. 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 Tacoma 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