Healthcare Bellevue, WA Pop. 151,854

Occupational Therapist Salary in Bellevue, Washington

The median occupational therapist salary in Bellevue, WA is $145,361 per year, which is 56.0% above the national median and 31.1% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$145,361
vs State Avg
+$34,477
vs National
+$52,181
Cost of Living
152%

Occupational Therapist Pay in Bellevue: What to Expect (2026)

Bellevue offers a median occupational therapist salary of $145,361, which is $34,477 above the Washington state average of $110,884. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Bellevue pays above average for this role.

However, Bellevue's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $145,361 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $95,632. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Bellevue should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Bellevue spans from $96,720 at the 10th percentile to $198,916 at the 90th percentile — a $102,196 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $99,840, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $187,200. With a population of 151,854, Bellevue is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Bellevue by Experience

In Bellevue, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $99,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $187,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$99,840
+$35,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$145,080
+$52,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$187,200
+$67,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bellevue, WA

Percentile Bellevue
10th Percentile $96,720
25th Percentile $120,432
Median (50th) $145,361
75th Percentile $171,288
90th Percentile $198,916

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Washington Cities

Seattle, WA
$141,634
Pop. 737,015
Tacoma, WA
$106,225
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$98,771
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$89,453
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Bellevue

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Bellevue and the surrounding Washington area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Bellevue may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Bellevue

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Bellevue, WA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Bellevue

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Bellevue, WA? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Bellevue, Washington is $145,361 per year, which is 56.0% above the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $96,720 (10th percentile) to $198,916 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Bellevue? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $145,361, a occupational therapist in Bellevue earns approximately $70 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bellevue compare to the Washington state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Bellevue's median occupational therapist salary of $145,361 is 31.1% above the Washington state average of $110,884. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bellevue, WA? ▼
Bellevue has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $145,361 in Bellevue has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Bellevue? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Bellevue require a master's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Activities, Patient Assessment, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.