Occupational Therapist Salary in Auburn, WA: $106,985 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Auburn, WA earns a median $106,985/year (≈ $51.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Auburn's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $99,614 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, an occupational therapist in Auburn, Washington can expect to earn an impressive median annual salary of $106,985, which surpasses the national median of $103,400 by 3.47%. Salary ranges for these professionals can vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $72,179 and top earners making as much as $142,884. The figures presented here are projections based on 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost implications. Additionally, for those occupational therapists who achieve the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) specialization, there is often a notable salary premium linked to this credential. As Auburn continues to develop its healthcare services, the demand for skilled occupational therapists remains a promising opportunity in the job market.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,179 | $34.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,142 | $42.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $106,985 | $51.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $126,437 | $60.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $142,884 | $68.69 |
Median Salary Position
3.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Auburn
In Auburn, WA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,705 (2026 est.). At $106,985, the local median is 3.47% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Auburn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Auburn Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Auburn median: $106,985/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Auburn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $108,284 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +3.47% more |
Occupational Therapists in Auburn, WA earn a median of $106,985 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.47% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $108,284.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Auburn has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Auburn, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $106,985 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,614 — a 6.89% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$87,895
2025 BLS Actual
$103,808
2026 Current Est.
$106,985
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,895 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,271 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,536 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,410 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,711 | Actual |
| 2024 | $104,037 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,808 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,985 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,258 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Auburn metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $87,895 (2019) to $103,808 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $110,258 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,363 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $72,179 – $88,142 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,142 – $106,985 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $106,985 – $126,437 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $126,437 – $142,884 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Auburn
The local job market currently employs 23 occupational therapists, which reflects a growing need for these professionals in Auburn. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, it's essential for therapists to consider how salaries translate into real purchasing power within the community. Among the various employers in Auburn, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers typically offer the highest compensation. Factors contributing to the disparity between lower and higher salaries include the work environment, the presence of specialized certifications such as CHT, productivity metrics, and changes in healthcare reimbursement rates. To maximize earning potential in Auburn, occupational therapists should target opportunities that offer additional stipends for specialized skills, seek out year-round contracts, and remain adaptable to the evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Auburn, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Auburn, WA in 2026?
Is Auburn, WA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Auburn?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Auburn?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Auburn?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $103,808 for occupational therapistsin the Auburn metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Auburn 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