Healthcare Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

Occupational Therapist Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median occupational therapist salary in Tacoma, WA is $106,225 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median and 4.2% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$106,225
vs State Avg
$-4,659
vs National
+$13,045
Cost of Living
110%

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

Tacoma offers a median occupational therapist salary of $106,225, which is $4,659 below the Washington state average of $110,884. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Tacoma pays above average for this role.

Tacoma's cost of living is 110% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Tacoma spans from $70,680 at the 10th percentile to $145,361 at the 90th percentile — a $74,681 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,960, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $136,800. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $72,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,960
+$8,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$106,020
+$13,020 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$136,800
+$16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $70,680
25th Percentile $88,008
Median (50th) $106,225
75th Percentile $125,172
90th Percentile $145,361

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$145,361
Pop. 151,854
Seattle, WA
$141,634
Pop. 737,015
Vancouver, WA
$98,771
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$89,453
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Tacoma

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Tacoma, WA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Tacoma

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Tacoma, Washington is $106,225 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $70,680 (10th percentile) to $145,361 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $106,225, a occupational therapist in Tacoma earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Tacoma's median occupational therapist salary of $106,225 is 4.2% below the Washington state average of $110,884. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $106,225 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Tacoma? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Tacoma 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.