Occupational Therapist Salary in Shoreline, WA: $108,561 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Shoreline, WA earns a median $108,561/year (≈ $52.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Shoreline's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $101,081 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual occupational therapist salary in Shoreline, WA, is projected to be $108,561, which is approximately 4.99% above the national median of $103,400. Professionals in this field can expect salaries ranging from $75,911 at the 10th percentile to $141,637 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse market influenced by various employment settings. Occupational therapists in Shoreline can choose between roles in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), hospitals, schools, or outpatient clinics, each presenting different salary opportunities as well as trade-offs in lifestyle, such as year-round versus school-year employment. This array of choices often affects not only compensation but also job satisfaction and career development.
About the Shoreline Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,911 | $36.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,221 | $41.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $108,561 | $52.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $126,038 | $60.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $141,637 | $68.09 |
Median Salary Position
4.99% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Shoreline
In Shoreline, WA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,726 (2026 est.). At $108,561, the local median is 4.99% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Shoreline: You'd be above the median
How Shoreline Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Shoreline median: $108,561/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Shoreline Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $108,237 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +4.99% more |
Occupational Therapists in Shoreline, WA earn a median of $108,561 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.99% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 0.30% above the Washington state average of $108,237.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Shoreline has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Shoreline, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $108,561 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $101,081 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$89,190
2025 BLS Actual
$105,338
2026 Current Est.
$108,561
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Shoreline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,190 | Actual |
| 2020 | $90,587 | Actual |
| 2021 | $89,841 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,831 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,180 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,571 | Actual |
| 2025 | $105,338 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108,561 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $111,883 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Shoreline metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $89,190 (2019) to $105,338 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $111,883 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,693 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shoreline 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) | $75,911 – $87,221 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,221 – $108,561 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $108,561 – $126,038 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $126,038 – $141,637 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Shoreline
Despite the robust salary figures, it's essential to consider the local job market which currently employs only 8 occupational therapists in Shoreline, WA. The cost-of-living index of 107.4 indicates that living expenses here are higher than the national average, impacting take-home purchasing power. Among the various employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest pay, although the compensation can vary significantly based on the setting and additional qualifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, which attracts a premium. Factors such as productivity expectations, contract types, and reimbursement challenges—especially the Medicare cuts affecting SNFs and outpatient services—contribute to the salary variability across Shoreline. To maximize occupational therapist pay in this market, pursuing advanced certifications, negotiating effectively based on workload and responsibilities, and exploring diverse practice settings are essential strategies for both new graduates and seasoned professionals.
More salary data for Shoreline, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Shoreline, WA in 2026?
Is Shoreline, WA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Shoreline?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Shoreline?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Shoreline?
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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 $105,338 for occupational therapistsin the Shoreline 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 Shoreline 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