Occupational Therapist Salary in Tacoma, WA: $111,334 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Tacoma, WA earns a median $111,334/year (≈ $53.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Tacoma's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $103,663 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tacoma, WA, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapists in 2026 is $111,334, which reflects a favorable position compared to the national median of $103,400. The local salary range extends from $77,454 at the lower tenth percentile to $156,857 at the upper ninetieth percentile, presenting opportunities for various levels of experience and specialization. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic factors. For those occupational therapists with specialty certification, such as the CHT credential, the potential for higher earnings is significant, enhancing overall compensation in this competitive job market.
About the Tacoma Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,454 | $37.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,921 | $43.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $111,334 | $53.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $135,253 | $65.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $156,857 | $75.41 |
Median Salary Position
7.67% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tacoma
In Tacoma, WA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $79,403 (2026 est.). At $111,334, the local median is 7.67% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tacoma: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tacoma Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Tacoma median: $111,334/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tacoma Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $108,196 | +2.90% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +7.67% more |
Occupational Therapists in Tacoma, WA earn a median of $111,334 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.67% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.90% above the Washington state average of $108,196.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tacoma has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tacoma, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $111,334 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $103,663 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$91,468
2025 BLS Actual
$108,028
2026 Current Est.
$111,334
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Tacoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $91,468 | Actual |
| 2020 | $92,900 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,136 | Actual |
| 2022 | $100,329 | Actual |
| 2023 | $103,764 | Actual |
| 2024 | $106,601 | Actual |
| 2025 | $108,028 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $111,334 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $114,740 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tacoma metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $91,468 (2019) to $108,028 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $114,740 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,272 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tacoma 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) | $77,454 – $89,921 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,921 – $111,334 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $111,334 – $135,253 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $135,253 – $156,857 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Tacoma
In terms of employment, there are currently 56 occupational therapists working in Tacoma, indicating a stable job market for this profession. The area's cost of living index stands at 107.4, suggesting that while compensation may be higher than the national average, the take-home purchasing power may be impacted by local expenses. Facilities such as skilled nursing and hospital inpatient rehabilitation typically offer higher pay compared to school districts or outpatient settings. The variation in salaries can often be attributed to specific factors such as setting differences, added stipends for certifications, and the diverse demands of year-round versus school-year contracts. Occupational therapists looking to maximize their pay in Tacoma should consider pursuing additional certifications like the CHT, focusing on high-demand specializations, and exploring roles in settings that traditionally offer higher compensation rates.
More salary data for Tacoma, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Tacoma, WA in 2026?
Is Tacoma, WA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Tacoma?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Tacoma?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Tacoma?
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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 $108,028 for occupational therapistsin the Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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