Occupational Therapist Salary in Walla Walla, WA: $102,739 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Walla Walla, WA earns a median $102,739/year (≈ $49.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Walla Walla's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $95,660 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Walla Walla, Washington, the anticipated median annual salary for an occupational therapist in 2026 is projected to be $102,739. This figure is slightly below the national median of $103,400, reflecting regional salary trends that are typically influenced by the local demand for skilled professionals. The salary range for occupational therapists in Walla Walla extends from $76,679 at the 10th percentile to $129,207 at the 90th percentile, indicating a significant spread based on experience, specific practice settings, and clinical specialties. Factors such as whether an occupational therapist chooses to work in a skilled nursing facility (SNF), hospital, or with school districts can impact their earning potential, as employment structures vary in terms of salary, job stability, and benefits.
About the Walla Walla Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,679 | $36.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,743 | $41.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,739 | $49.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $117,293 | $56.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,207 | $62.11 |
Median Salary Position
0.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Walla Walla
In Walla Walla, WA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,528 (2026 est.). At $102,739, the local median is 0.64% below the national median of $103,400.
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How Walla Walla Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Walla Walla median: $102,739/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Walla Walla Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $108,261 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -0.64% less |
Occupational Therapists in Walla Walla, WA earn a median of $102,739 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.64% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 5.10% below the Washington state average of $108,261.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Walla Walla has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Walla Walla, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $102,739 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $95,660 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,407
2025 BLS Actual
$99,689
2026 Current Est.
$102,739
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Walla Walla (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,407 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,729 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,023 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,585 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,754 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,910 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,689 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,739 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,883 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Walla Walla metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $84,407 (2019) to $99,689 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $105,883 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,476 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Walla Walla 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) | $76,679 – $85,743 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,743 – $102,739 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,739 – $117,293 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $117,293 – $129,207 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Walla Walla
The local job market for occupational therapists in Walla Walla employs a small but significant number of 6 professionals. While the overall salary levels might be slightly lower compared to national averages, these wages must be considered alongside the cost of living index for the area, which stands at 107.4—about 7.4% above the national average. This means while take-home pay for occupational therapist salary in Walla Walla may appear diminished at first glance, the purchasing power can still be robust. Among various employers, skilled nursing facilities often provide competitive pay, followed closely by hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers. The range in compensation here can be driven by different employment settings, with those holding specialized credentials like a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) earning higher rates. Successfully expanding one's pay in this market could hinge on pursuing certifications, particularly in high-demand specialties, pursuing year-round positions, and negotiating contracts to reflect one's qualifications and productivity expectations, especially as Medicare cuts can affect reimbursements in certain settings.
More salary data for Walla Walla, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Walla Walla, WA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Walla Walla?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Walla Walla?
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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 $99,689 for occupational therapistsin the Walla Walla 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 Walla Walla 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