Occupational Therapist Salary in Tukwila, WA: $100,042 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Tukwila, WA earns a median $100,042/year (≈ $48.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Tukwila's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $93,149 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Tukwila, Washington, can expect a median annual salary of $100,042 in 2026, with a salary range that extends from $77,853 at the lower end (P10) to $123,053 at the higher end (P90). This financial outlook is shaped by local estimates based on the 2025 BLS data and adjusts for regional cost factors, specifically targeting specific employment settings like hospitals, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and school systems. Therapists in Tukwila may benefit from evaluating whether they wish to work year-round or follow a school-year calendar, as this choice can significantly influence their overall compensation structure.
About the Tukwila Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,853 | $37.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,140 | $39.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,042 | $48.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $112,833 | $54.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123,053 | $59.16 |
Median Salary Position
3.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tukwila
In Tukwila, WA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,200 (2026 est.). At $100,042, the local median is 3.25% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Tukwila: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tukwila Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Tukwila median: $100,042/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tukwila Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $108,271 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -3.25% less |
Occupational Therapists in Tukwila, WA earn a median of $100,042 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.25% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 7.60% below the Washington state average of $108,271.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tukwila has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tukwila, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $100,042 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $93,149 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,191
2025 BLS Actual
$97,072
2026 Current Est.
$100,042
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Tukwila (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,191 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,478 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,791 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,154 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,241 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,287 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,072 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,042 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,104 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tukwila metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $82,191 (2019) to $97,072 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,104 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,913 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tukwila 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) | $77,853 – $83,140 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,140 – $100,042 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,042 – $112,833 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $112,833 – $123,053 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Tukwila
In a city where only four occupational therapists are employed, job competition remains minimal, which can lead to potential advantages for job seekers. However, the cost-of-living index at 107.4 indicates that living expenses are slightly above the national average, affecting disposable income and purchasing power. Among local employers, hospital inpatient rehab facilities often offer the most competitive salaries compared to outpatient clinics or school districts. Variables such as specialty certifications—including the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation—and productivity expectations can widen the pay spectrum considerably. For those keen to maximize their earnings in Tukwila, pursuing board certifications and opting for year-round positions in higher-paying settings are strategic moves that can significantly influence overall financial outcomes in this field.
More salary data for Tukwila, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Tukwila, WA in 2026?
Is Tukwila, WA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Tukwila?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Tukwila?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Tukwila?
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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 $97,072 for occupational therapistsin the Tukwila 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 Tukwila 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