Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Vancouver, WA: $55.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Vancouver, WA runs $55.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $116,274 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Vancouver's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,763 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Vancouver, WA, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected to reach a median rate of $55.90 in 2026, marking a notable increase compared to the national hourly median of $49.71. For occupational therapists working on a part-time basis, perhaps spending three days a week in various therapy settings such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, or school therapy rooms, this rate translates into a substantial income potential, even in a reduced work schedule. Additionally, hourly earnings for entry-level therapists begin around $37.73, while the highest earners can approach $77.24 per hour, demonstrating a robust range that reflects both skill levels and areas of specialization within the profession.
About the Vancouver 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) | $37.73 | $301.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.13 | $369.04 |
| Median (P50) | $55.90 | $447.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.25 | $537.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.24 | $617.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vancouver
Based on $55.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.90/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vancouver, WA can expect to earn approximately $116,271 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,080. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Vancouver.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vancouver
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,235.99 | $9,689 | $116,271 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,341.59 | $5,814 | $69,763 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $894.40 | $3,876 | $46,509 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Vancouver) | $55.90 |
| 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 Vancouver, WA earn a median of $116,274 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.45% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 7.40% above the Washington state average of $108,263.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.90/hr = $69,763/year (purchasing power: $64,956).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $116,271/year (purchasing power: $108,260).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Vancouver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Vancouver grew 18.1% from $45.93/hr (2019) to $54.24/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.61/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 Vancouver 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 Vancouver
Examining the realities of part-time and per-diem occupational therapy work in Vancouver reveals some compelling financial insights. An occupational therapist working three days a week, totaling roughly 24 hours, could expect to earn around $69,984 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart but still a viable option for those prioritizing flexibility. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Vancouver often ranges from $50 to $75 an hour, while certified hand therapists offering specialized treatments can command between $80 and $110 per hour, especially in cash-pay environments. The variability in hourly rates across different work settings means that positions at skilled nursing facilities or home health agencies might offer less than lucrative outpatient roles but potentially include health benefits. Negotiating for higher hourly rates can be strategic; therapists should leverage their credentials, including AOTA and NBCOT standards, to justify requests for better compensation while understanding the balance between hourly pay and benefits in their career options.
More salary data for Vancouver, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Vancouver in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Vancouver?
Are occupational therapists in Vancouver paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Vancouver?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Vancouver?
Related Pages
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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 Vancouver. 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 Vancouver 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