Occupational Therapist Salary in Wenatchee, WA: $104,462 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Wenatchee, WA earns a median $104,462/year (≈ $50.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Wenatchee's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.9), that paycheck buys what $100,584 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Washington state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wenatchee, Washington, the anticipated median annual compensation for occupational therapists is projected to reach $104,462 in 2026, signaling a competitive edge compared to the national median of $103,400. The salary range for this profession in the area spans from $80,820 at the tenth percentile to $131,092 at the ninetieth percentile, indicating a diverse job market with varying opportunities. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, highlights the demand for occupational therapy services across different settings such as hospitals, schools, and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). The choice between hospital employment and school contracts often influences both the salary level and the work-life balance for professionals, as year-round jobs typically offer more financial stability compared to academic year positions.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,820 | $38.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,983 | $41.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $104,462 | $50.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $115,571 | $55.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $131,092 | $63.02 |
Median Salary Position
1.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wenatchee
In Wenatchee, WA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,272 (2026 est.). At $104,462, the local median is 1.03% above the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Wenatchee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wenatchee Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Wenatchee median: $104,462/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wenatchee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $108,250 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +1.03% more |
Occupational Therapists in Wenatchee, WA earn a median of $104,462 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.03% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 3.50% below the Washington state average of $108,250.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wenatchee has a cost of living 3.86% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wenatchee, WA has a cost-of-living index of 103.855 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $104,462 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $100,584 — a 3.71% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$91,220
2025 BLS Actual
$101,360
2026 Current Est.
$104,462
2019–2027 Growth
+18.0%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Wenatchee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $91,220 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,166 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,170 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,740 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,630 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,190 | Actual |
| 2025 | $101,360 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,462 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,658 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wenatchee metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 11.1% from $91,220 (2019) to $101,360 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $107,658 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,438 (18.02%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wenatchee 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) | $80,820 – $85,983 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,983 – $104,462 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $104,462 – $115,571 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $115,571 – $131,092 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Wenatchee
Currently, Wenatchee employs around 60 occupational therapists, reflecting a solid job market. Prospective therapists should consider that the cost of living index stands at 103.855, slightly above the national average, which can affect purchasing power. The highest salaries are often found within hospital inpatient rehab settings, where patient load and procedural complexity justify greater pay. Conversely, school contracts and SNFs may lag behind due to budget constraints and fluctuating needs. Factors such as additional certifications like Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) can also influence earnings significantly. To maximize compensation here, professionals should seek diverse work experiences, aspire to acquire specialty certifications, and consider negotiating contracts that increase their hourly wage or offer productivity incentives, ensuring they stay competitive in Wenatchee’s evolving occupational therapy landscape.
More salary data for Wenatchee, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Wenatchee, WA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Wenatchee?
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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 $101,360 for occupational therapistsin the Wenatchee 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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