Occupational Therapist Salary in Vancouver, WA: $116,274 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Vancouver, WA earns a median $116,274/year (≈ $55.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Vancouver's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $108,263 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.4% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Vancouver, WA, reaching the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) specialty can significantly enhance an occupational therapist's earning potential, with the 2026 median salary projected at $116,274. The salary range spans from $78,484 at the lower decile to $160,675 for top earners, which reflects the variations often seen in specialized therapy roles. Local estimates, developed from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities, place Vancouver's occupational therapist salaries above the national median of $103,400, offering a competitive edge of approximately 12.45%. Such context highlights not just the financial benefits of specialization but also the growing demand for skilled occupational therapists in the area.
About the Vancouver Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,484 | $37.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $95,957 | $46.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $116,274 | $55.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $139,865 | $67.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $160,675 | $77.24 |
Median Salary Position
12.45% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Vancouver
In Vancouver, WA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $82,191 (2026 est.). At $116,274, the local median is 12.45% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Vancouver: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Vancouver Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Vancouver median: $116,274/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Vancouver Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $108,263 | +7.40% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +12.45% more |
Occupational Therapists in Vancouver, WA earn a median of $116,274 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.45% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 7.40% above the Washington state average of $108,263.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Vancouver has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Vancouver, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $116,274 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $108,263 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$95,527
2025 BLS Actual
$112,822
2026 Current Est.
$116,274
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Vancouver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95,527 | Actual |
| 2020 | $97,023 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,224 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,782 | Actual |
| 2023 | $108,369 | Actual |
| 2024 | $106,989 | Actual |
| 2025 | $112,822 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $116,274 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $119,832 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Vancouver metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $95,527 (2019) to $112,822 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $119,832 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,305 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vancouver 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) | $78,484 – $95,957 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $95,957 – $116,274 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $116,274 – $139,865 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $139,865 – $160,675 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Vancouver
While there are currently 37 occupational therapists employed in Vancouver, the cost of living index at 107.4 suggests that takes home pay may be impacted by the fairly high local expenses. Facilities that tend to offer the highest salaries include hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers and outpatient hand therapy clinics, while school contracts often provide more stable but predictable salaries. The earnings disparity arises from factors such as work settings, credentials like the CHT, and expectations for productivity. To optimize occupational therapist pay in Vancouver, pursuing additional certifications, seeking roles in higher-paying settings, and remaining adaptable in service delivery approaches can be advantageous strategies for professionals in the field.
More salary data for Vancouver, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Vancouver, WA in 2026?
Is Vancouver, WA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Vancouver?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Vancouver?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Vancouver?
Related Pages
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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 $112,822 for occupational therapistsin the Vancouver 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 Vancouver 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