Occupational Therapist Salary in Washington: $110,555 (2026)

Quick Answer:Across Washington's 50 metropolitan areas, the average median occupational therapist pay sits at $110,555/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1122. Because Washington sits at BEA RPP 107.4 (7% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $102,938 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Vancouver ($112,822), Yakima ($111,400), Bellevue ($110,937).

Occupational Therapist Salary in Washington - 2025 BLS Data Infographic — Washington occupational therapist salary overview (2026)

$110,555

Avg Median Salary

$53.15

Avg Hourly Rate

3,446

Metro Employed

Cities

The landscape for occupational therapist salaries in Washington reflects a positive trend. In 2026, the average median salary is projected to be $110,556, which is 6.9% higher than the national median of $103,400. A significant variation exists between cities: Vancouver leads with a salary of $116,274, while Tukwila sees the lowest at $100,042. This $16,232 gap can be attributed to factors such as cost of living, demand for services in certain regions, and the supply of qualified practitioners. Washington's specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws influence both entry and progression in the field. Occupational therapists in the state are mandated to hold a master's or doctoral degree in occupational therapy, along with obtaining state licensure, which ensures a highly skilled workforce. Demand is driven by an aging population and an increasing emphasis on rehabilitative services, creating a positive job outlook for the profession, with a projected growth rate of 3.06% annually. Overall, the job market for occupational therapists in Washington is strong, with key cities like Yakima, Bellevue, and Seattle also offering competitive salaries of $114,809, $114,332, and $113,222, respectively. This indicates a steady demand for occupational therapy services across the state.

Washington Occupational Therapist Salary Range

Entry Level (10th %ile)

$83,914

avg across 50 cities

Median

$110,555

state average

Top Earners (90th %ile)

$139,594

avg across 50 cities

Overall salary range in Washington: $72,179 (lowest entry-level) to $160,675 (highest top earner)

Washington vs National Average

Washington

$110,555

National Median

$103,400

Washington occupational therapists earn 6.92% more than the national median (+$7,155/year difference).

Washington Occupational Therapist Salary Distribution (2026)

Occupational Therapist salaries in Washington range from $83,914 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $139,594 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $110,555. The Washington median is $7,155 above the US national median of $103,400. The average hourly rate is $53.15/hr. Approximately 3,446 occupational therapists are employed across 50 cities.

2019 BLS Actual

$84,638

2025 BLS Actual

$107,273

2026 Current Est.

$110,555

2019–2027 Growth

+34.6%

Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Washington (2019–2027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected

Year	Annual Salary	Status
2019	$84,638	Actual
2020	$86,889	Actual
2021	$96,181	Actual
2022	$93,134	Actual
2023	$101,951	Actual
2024	$103,257	Actual
2025	$107,273	Actual
2026(current)	$110,555	Estimated
2027	$113,938	Projected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Washington metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 26.7% from $84,638 (2019) to $107,273 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $113,938 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,300 (34.62%) from 2019.

Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Washington 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.

Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Washington

Vancouver

37 employed · $55.90/hr

$116,274

+5.17% vs avg

Yakima

40 employed · $55.20/hr

$114,809

+3.85% vs avg

Bellevue

26 employed · $54.97/hr

$114,332

+3.42% vs avg

Seattle

2,020 employed · $54.44/hr

$113,222

+2.41% vs avg

Tacoma

56 employed · $53.53/hr

$111,334

+0.70% vs avg

Lowest Paying Cities in Washington

City	Median Salary	vs State Avg	Hourly
Tukwila	$100,042	-9.51%	$48.10
Mountlake Terrace	$100,197	-9.37%	$48.17
Covington	$101,605	-8.10%	$48.85
Kenmore	$101,613	-8.09%	$48.85
Oak Harbor	$102,273	-7.49%	$49.17

Best Value Cities for Occupational Therapists in Washington

When adjusted for local cost of living, these Washington cities offer the most purchasing power for occupational therapists.

City	Nominal Salary	CoL Index	Adjusted Salary
Yakima	$114,809	95.545	$120,162
Vancouver	$116,274	107.4	$108,263
Bellevue	$114,332	107.4	$106,454
Kennewick	$105,595	100.079	$105,512
Olympia	$108,687	103.67	$104,839

Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.

Salary by Experience Level in Washington

Experience Level	Estimated Annual	Est. Hourly	Description
Entry Level (0-2 years)	$83,914	$40.34	10th percentile, new graduates
Mid Career (3-7 years)	$110,555	$53.15	50th percentile, median salary
Experienced (7+ years)	$139,594	$67.11	90th percentile, top earners

Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Washington metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

All 50 Cities in Washington

#	City	Median Salary	Hourly	Entry (P10)	Top (P90)	Employed
1	Vancouver	$116,274	$55.90	$78,484	$160,675	37
2	Yakima	$114,809	$55.20	$90,013	$129,691	40
3	Bellevue	$114,332	$54.97	$77,317	$158,773	26
4	Seattle	$113,222	$54.44	$86,210	$142,274	2,020
5	Tacoma	$111,334	$53.53	$77,454	$156,857	56
6	Renton	$111,061	$53.40	$76,624	$144,008	27
7	Everett	$109,985	$52.88	$74,073	$151,624	20
8	Bremerton	$109,790	$52.79	$85,890	$136,019	100
9	Tumwater	$109,683	$52.74	$77,880	$144,715	6
10	Marysville	$109,161	$52.48	$77,197	$139,311	16
11	Olympia	$108,687	$52.25	$86,004	$130,876	120
12	Shoreline	$108,561	$52.19	$75,911	$141,637	8
13	Bellingham	$108,234	$52.03	$78,212	$132,350	100
14	Redmond	$108,133	$51.98	$74,919	$147,082	14
15	Kent	$108,044	$51.94	$78,339	$149,336	33
16	Kirkland	$107,867	$51.86	$74,197	$138,989	13
17	Richland	$107,796	$51.83	$76,700	$138,086	15
18	Lacey	$107,796	$51.83	$80,204	$146,537	12
19	Burien	$107,730	$51.80	$79,466	$145,724	8
20	Federal Way	$107,257	$51.56	$76,557	$142,681	22
21	Des Moines	$107,233	$51.55	$78,306	$137,421	7
22	Auburn	$106,985	$51.44	$72,179	$142,884	23
23	Lakewood	$106,941	$51.42	$72,191	$143,083	14
24	Issaquah	$106,880	$51.39	$77,795	$132,159	9
25	Sammamish	$106,179	$51.05	$78,852	$140,279	11
26	University Place	$106,141	$51.03	$76,137	$140,157	6
27	SeaTac	$106,057	$50.99	$75,488	$140,145	6
28	Mount Vernon	$105,822	$50.87	$77,171	$128,609	50
29	Pasco	$105,604	$50.77	$77,628	$138,387	18
30	Kennewick	$105,595	$50.77	$79,521	$132,360	100
31	Longview	$105,553	$50.75	$74,294	$138,496	6
32	Edmonds	$104,957	$50.46	$73,334	$136,558	8
33	Lake Stevens	$104,680	$50.32	$80,876	$129,211	9
34	Lynnwood	$104,613	$50.29	$81,045	$135,185	6
35	Wenatchee	$104,462	$50.22	$80,820	$131,092	60
36	Moses Lake	$104,411	$50.20	$80,558	$134,535	4
37	Bothell	$104,336	$50.16	$80,486	$134,292	13
38	Spokane Valley	$104,286	$50.14	$72,486	$139,803	21
39	Pullman	$103,874	$49.94	$79,376	$136,745	6
40	Puyallup	$103,638	$49.83	$78,813	$132,317	10
41	Ellensburg	$103,250	$49.64	$77,100	$126,951	6
42	Maple Valley	$102,966	$49.50	$77,106	$129,925	6
43	Walla Walla	$102,739	$49.40	$76,679	$129,207	6
44	Camas	$102,707	$49.38	$76,166	$132,992	4
45	Spokane	$102,318	$49.19	$83,973	$128,619	320
46	Oak Harbor	$102,273	$49.17	$74,700	$123,659	5
47	Kenmore	$101,613	$48.85	$78,590	$127,935	6
48	Covington	$101,605	$48.85	$73,078	$127,665	5
49	Mountlake Terrace	$100,197	$48.17	$78,232	$126,966	4
50	Tukwila	$100,042	$48.10	$77,853	$123,053	4

More Washington Salary Data

Hourly Rates

Explore occupational therapist hourly pay in Washington cities.

Vancouver →Yakima →Bellevue →

Entry Level

Starting salaries for new occupational therapists.

Vancouver →Yakima →Bellevue →

Senior / Experienced

Top earner salaries for experienced occupational therapists.

Vancouver →Yakima →Bellevue →

Compare Cities in Washington

Seattle, WAvsSpokane, WA Seattle, WAvsOlympia, WA Seattle, WAvsBremerton, WA Seattle, WAvsBellingham, WA Seattle, WAvsKennewick, WA Seattle, WAvsWenatchee, WA

View all comparisons →

Explore More Occupational Therapist Salary Data

National OverviewMedian salary & full US data Entry-Level SalariesStarting pay & new grad earnings Hourly Pay RatesPer-hour rates & part-time income Highest Paying StatesTop states ranked by salary

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do occupational therapists make in Washington in 2026?

The average median occupational therapist salary in Washington is $110,555/year across 50 metro areas, based on estimated 2026 (projected from 2025 BLS data). Salaries range from $100,042 in Tukwila to $116,274 in Vancouver. This makes Washington one of the higher-paying states, at 6.92% above the national median of $103,400. The state employs approximately 3,446 occupational therapists.

What is the highest paying city for occupational therapists in Washington?

Vancouver offers the highest occupational therapist salary in Washington at $116,274/year ($55.90/hr), based on estimated 2026 (projected from 2025 BLS data). The top 3 highest-paying cities are Vancouver ($116,274), Yakima ($114,809), Bellevue ($114,332). Higher pay in these metros is typically driven by cost of living, demand for occupational therapy services, and competition among employers for licensed occupational therapists.

How does Washington occupational therapist pay compare to the national average?

Washington's average occupational therapist salary of $110,555 is 6.92% above the national median of $103,400 in 2026. The state employs approximately 3,446 occupational therapists across 50 metropolitan areas. When comparing salaries, consider cost-of-living differences — a lower nominal salary in an affordable area may provide better purchasing power than a higher salary in an expensive metro.

What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in Washington?

Entry-level occupational therapists (10th percentile) in Washington earn approximately $83,914/year on average, based on estimated 2026 (projected from 2025 BLS data). Starting salaries range from $72,179 in lower-paying areas to $90,013 in the highest-paying metros. New graduates should expect salaries at the lower end and can typically reach the area median within 3–5 years of clinical experience.

How many occupational therapists are employed in Washington?

Washington employs approximately 3,446 occupational therapists across 50 metropolitan areas, based on the latest BLS data. Job availability varies by metro area, with larger cities offering more opportunities. Demand continues to grow as the occupational therapy field expands and the population ages.

Which Washington city offers the best value for occupational therapists?

When adjusted for cost of living, Yakima offers the highest purchasing power for occupational therapists in Washington, with an adjusted salary of $120,162 (nominal: $114,809, CoL index: 95.545). This means your dollar goes 5% further compared to the national average, making it an attractive option for maximizing real income.

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Chen, OTR/LData verified by Luis Garcia, OTR/L

Methodology & Data Source

Statewide salary 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 each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 occupational therapist compensation across Washington. State averages are employment-weighted across 50 metro areas — larger metro areas with more occupational therapistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (2019–2025). 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

Last verified: June 10, 2026

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