Occupational Therapist Salary in Pullman, WA: $103,874 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Pullman, WA earns a median $103,874/year (≈ $49.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Pullman's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $96,717 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Pullman, Washington, can expect a promising earning potential in 2026, with a median annual salary projected at $103,874. This figure places local compensation slightly above the national median of $103,400, highlighting a desirable market for occupational therapy professionals. The salary range across different percentiles spans from $79,376 at the 10th percentile to $136,745 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant opportunities for advancement depending on experience and certifications. Regionally adjusted estimates from BLS data suggest that a CHT specialty certification can lead to additional financial incentives, further enhancing an occupational therapist's earning capacity. With growth rates projected at 3.06% annually, Pullman's job market is on an upward trend, making it an attractive locale for both new graduates and seasoned professionals alike.
About the Pullman Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,376 | $38.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,057 | $42.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,874 | $49.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $121,995 | $58.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $136,745 | $65.74 |
Median Salary Position
0.46% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pullman
In Pullman, WA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,369 (2026 est.). At $103,874, the local median is 0.46% above the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Pullman: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pullman Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Pullman median: $103,874/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pullman Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $108,202 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +0.46% more |
Occupational Therapists in Pullman, WA earn a median of $103,874 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.46% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 4.00% below the Washington state average of $108,202.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pullman has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pullman, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $103,874 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $96,717 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$85,339
2025 BLS Actual
$100,790
2026 Current Est.
$103,874
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Pullman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,339 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,676 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,962 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,607 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,812 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,012 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,790 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,874 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,053 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pullman metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $85,339 (2019) to $100,790 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $107,053 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,714 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pullman 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) | $79,376 – $88,057 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,057 – $103,874 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,874 – $121,995 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $121,995 – $136,745 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Pullman
In Pullman, the local job market currently employs six occupational therapists, reflecting a niche yet stable demand for skilled practitioners amidst a cost-of-living index of 107.4. This index indicates that living expenses are higher than the national average, which stresses the importance of negotiating salary to maintain purchasing power. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities, hospital inpatient rehab departments, and outpatient clinics typically offer the highest salaries. Factors influencing pay differences include the work setting, where hospitals generally provide higher compensation than schools and skilled nursing facilities, as well as potential stipends for board certifications, such as the CHT. Productivity expectations, alongside the impacts of Medicare cuts on SNF and outpatient services, also shape the compensation landscape. For occupational therapists seeking to maximize their earnings in Pullman, targeting continuing education for specialty certifications and considering roles in higher-paying clinical environments can be advantageous strategies.
More salary data for Pullman, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Pullman, WA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Pullman?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Pullman?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Pullman?
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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 $100,790 for occupational therapistsin the Pullman 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 Pullman 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