Healthcare Washington (WA) Rank #7 of 50

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Washington

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Washington is $77,850 per year, which is 19.0% above the national median of $65,420.

Median Salary
$77,850
vs National
+$12,430
State Rank
#7 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Overview in Washington (2026)

Washington ranks #7 out of 50 states for occupational therapy assistant compensation. This places Washington in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for occupational therapy assistants seeking high pay. At $77,850 per year, occupational therapy assistants in Washington earn $12,430 more than the national median of $65,420.

It's worth noting that Washington's cost of living is 115% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $77,850 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $67,696.

The salary spread in Washington is significant: occupational therapy assistants at the 10th percentile earn $49,980, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $109,480 — a $59,500 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Washington for this role is Bellevue, where the median reaches $102,055.

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Washington and beyond.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Washington by Experience

In Washington, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $52,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $104,720 per year. The cost of living index in Washington is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,360
+$8,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$78,540
+$12,540 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$104,720
+$16,720 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Washington

Percentile WA Salary
10th Percentile $49,980
25th Percentile $61,880
Median (50th) $77,850
75th Percentile $95,200
90th Percentile $109,480

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary by City in Washington

The largest employment areas for occupational therapy assistants in Washington include Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Washington

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. Washington has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ExercisesPatient CareDocumentationCommunicationAdaptabilityCompassion

Job Outlook in Washington

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Washington's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Washington

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Washington? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Washington is $77,850 per year, which is 19.0% above the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $49,980 (10th percentile) to $109,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Washington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,850, a occupational therapy assistant in Washington earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Washington a good state for occupational therapy assistants? ▼
Washington ranks #7 out of 50 states for occupational therapy assistant pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn $52,360, while senior professionals earn $104,720.
How does Washington compare to other states for occupational therapy assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for occupational therapy assistants is Hawaii at $116,448. Washington's median of $77,850 ranks #7 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New York ($83,083) and New Jersey ($78,504).
What is the entry-level occupational therapy assistant salary in Washington? ▼
An entry-level occupational therapy assistant in Washington earns approximately $52,360 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $78,540. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $104,720.
What city in Washington pays occupational therapy assistants the most? ▼
Bellevue is the highest paying city in Washington for occupational therapy assistants, with a median salary of $102,055. Other cities include Seattle and Spokane.