Occupational Therapist Salary in Lakewood, WA: $106,941 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Lakewood, WA earns a median $106,941/year (≈ $51.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $99,573 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, Washington, the projected median salary for occupational therapists in 2026 is $106,941, indicating a competitive market driven in part by the impacts of Medicare cuts on skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and outpatient therapy compensation. Salaries for occupational therapists in this region span a range from $72,191 at the lower end to $143,083 for the highest earners, reflecting the variability tied to different practice settings. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted according to the local cost of living, which currently sits above the national average in the area. As such, deviations in pay can significantly shape the prospects for those entering the field, especially considering the challenges posed by recent reimbursement reforms.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,191 | $34.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,396 | $43.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $106,941 | $51.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $126,293 | $60.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $143,083 | $68.79 |
Median Salary Position
3.42% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, WA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,892 (2026 est.). At $106,941, the local median is 3.42% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $106,941/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $108,240 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +3.42% more |
Occupational Therapists in Lakewood, WA earn a median of $106,941 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.42% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $108,240.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $106,941 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,573 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,859
2025 BLS Actual
$103,766
2026 Current Est.
$106,941
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,859 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,235 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,501 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,371 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,670 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,995 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,766 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,941 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,214 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $87,859 (2019) to $103,766 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $110,214 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,355 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $72,191 – $90,396 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,396 – $106,941 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $106,941 – $126,293 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $126,293 – $143,083 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Lakewood
The job market for occupational therapists in Lakewood features about 14 professionals currently employed, highlighting a moderate number of opportunities in this specific area. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, living expenses are relatively high, which may influence take-home purchasing power despite a competitive salary context. Employers that tend to offer the highest pay include hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers and outpatient hand therapy clinics, while settings such as school districts and early intervention programs generally fall on the lower end of the pay spectrum. The difference in earnings is often driven by various factors including certification levels, this region's emphasis on specialized credentials like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), and the varying demands across practice settings. For occupational therapists considering opportunities in Lakewood, pursuing additional board certifications or exploring diverse work environments may unlock pathways to higher earning potential.
More salary data for Lakewood, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Lakewood, WA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Lakewood?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Lakewood?
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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 $103,766 for occupational therapistsin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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