Healthcare Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Occupational Therapist Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median occupational therapist salary in Seattle, WA is $141,634 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 27.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$141,634
vs State Avg
+$30,750
vs National
+$48,454
Cost of Living
148%

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

Seattle offers a median occupational therapist salary of $141,634, which is $30,750 above the Washington state average of $110,884. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $141,634 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $95,699. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Seattle spans from $94,240 at the 10th percentile to $193,815 at the 90th percentile — a $99,575 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $97,280, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $182,400. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $97,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $182,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$97,280
+$33,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$141,360
+$48,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$182,400
+$62,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $94,240
25th Percentile $117,344
Median (50th) $141,634
75th Percentile $166,896
90th Percentile $193,815

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$145,361
Pop. 151,854
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 Seattle

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Seattle 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 Seattle may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Seattle

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Seattle, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Seattle

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Seattle, Washington is $141,634 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $94,240 (10th percentile) to $193,815 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $141,634, a occupational therapist in Seattle earns approximately $68 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Seattle's median occupational therapist salary of $141,634 is 27.7% above the Washington state average of $110,884. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $141,634 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Seattle? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Seattle 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.