Occupational Therapist Salary in Ellensburg, WA: $103,250 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Ellensburg, WA earns a median $103,250/year (≈ $49.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Ellensburg's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $96,136 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ellensburg, Washington, the projected median annual salary for an occupational therapist in 2026 stands at $103,250, slightly below the national median of $103,400. This salary reflects a competitive pay scale with a range from $77,100 at the 10th percentile to $126,951 for those at the 90th percentile, showcasing the potential for growth in this field. Recent estimates derived from 2025 BLS data indicate that occupational therapists who achieve specialty certifications, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), may command premiums that enhance their earning potential. As the need for skilled therapists in various settings continues to grow in Ellensburg, professionals in this field can expect a vibrant job market that encourages ongoing education and specialization.
About the Ellensburg Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,100 | $37.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,775 | $41.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,250 | $49.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $116,422 | $55.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126,951 | $61.03 |
Median Salary Position
0.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ellensburg
In Ellensburg, WA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,851 (2026 est.). At $103,250, the local median is 0.15% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Ellensburg: You'd be above the median
How Ellensburg Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Ellensburg median: $103,250/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ellensburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $108,228 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -0.15% less |
Occupational Therapists in Ellensburg, WA earn a median of $103,250 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.15% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.60% below the Washington state average of $108,228.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ellensburg has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ellensburg, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $103,250 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $96,136 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,826
2025 BLS Actual
$100,184
2026 Current Est.
$103,250
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Ellensburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,826 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,154 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,445 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,044 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,230 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,405 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,184 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,250 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,409 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ellensburg metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $84,826 (2019) to $100,184 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,409 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,583 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ellensburg 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) | $77,100 – $85,775 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,775 – $103,250 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,250 – $116,422 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $116,422 – $126,951 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Ellensburg
The local job market currently employs six occupational therapists, illustrating both a tight-knit community and competition for available positions. With a cost-of-living index at 107.4, the economic reality means that while salaries may appear competitive, take-home purchasing power can be impacted. Among various employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer higher wages compared to outpatient settings, but those with advanced certifications can find enhanced pay opportunities in specialized clinics. The variance in occupational therapist pay in Ellensburg, WA, often depends on several factors: whether therapists work in educational settings versus health care, their production levels, and the specifics of their contracts. To maximize earnings, aspiring therapists should consider obtaining relevant board certifications and staying informed about employer needs in the area while negotiating contracts and seeking roles in high-demand environments.
More salary data for Ellensburg, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Ellensburg, WA in 2026?
Is Ellensburg, WA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Ellensburg?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Ellensburg?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Ellensburg?
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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
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 $100,184 for occupational therapistsin the Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg 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