Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Walla Walla, WA: $49.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Walla Walla, WA runs $49.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,739 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Walla Walla's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,647 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Walla Walla, Washington, the projected median hourly pay for an occupational therapist in 2026 is $49.40, just slightly lower than the national median of $49.71. This compensation reflects the estimated earnings from a variety of relevant settings including hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and outpatient clinics. For occupational therapists working part-time, particularly those on a 3-day workweek, this hourly rate translates into manageable earnings that can supplement other income sources. With a broad range of potential hourly pay, from $36.86 at entry-level positions to $62.11 for top earners, opportunities in Walla Walla allow for flexibility and creativity in managing earnings, whether through standard employment or per diem roles that may offer even higher rates for skilled services.
About the Walla Walla 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) | $36.86 | $294.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.22 | $329.79 |
| Median (P50) | $49.40 | $395.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.39 | $451.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.11 | $496.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Walla Walla
Based on $49.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.40/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Walla Walla, WA can expect to earn approximately $102,745 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,276. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Walla Walla.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Walla Walla
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,975.87 | $8,562 | $102,745 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,185.52 | $5,137 | $61,647 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $790.35 | $3,425 | $41,098 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Walla Walla) | $49.40 |
| 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 Walla Walla, WA earn a median of $102,739 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.64% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 5.10% below the Washington state average of $108,261.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.40/hr = $61,647/year (purchasing power: $57,399).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,745/year (purchasing power: $95,666).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Walla Walla (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Walla Walla grew 18.1% from $40.58/hr (2019) to $47.93/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.91/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 Walla Walla 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 Walla Walla
Focusing on part-time work in Walla Walla, an occupational therapist working three days a week for a total of 24 hours could bring home nearly $61,000 annually, which offers a sound living while maintaining a manageable work-life balance. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Walla Walla typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, with specialized hand therapists earning premium rates of $80 to $110 per hour for cash-pay services. Travel contracts can be quite lucrative, offering weekly payments between $1,800 and $2,800. Different employer types, from skilled nursing and outpatient rehab to school districts, also influence hourly compensation, requiring therapists to weigh benefits like health insurance against higher hourly wages in positions without those perks. To optimize pay, occupational therapists should negotiate salaries based on their certifications, such as the CHT designation, while also considering local cost of living factors in Walla Walla. Understanding these dynamics can empower occupational therapists to make informed decisions about their careers in WA.
More salary data for Walla Walla, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Walla Walla in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Walla Walla?
Are occupational therapists in Walla Walla paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Walla Walla?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Walla Walla?
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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 Walla Walla. 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 Walla Walla 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