Healthcare Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Tacoma, WA is $74,579 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median and 4.2% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$74,579
vs State Avg
$-3,271
vs National
+$9,159
Cost of Living
110%

Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Tacoma: What to Expect (2026)

Tacoma offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $74,579, which is $3,271 below the Washington state average of $77,850. Compared to the national median of $65,420, 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 therapy assistants in Tacoma spans from $47,880 at the 10th percentile to $104,880 at the 90th percentile — a $57,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $50,160, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $100,320. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $50,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $100,320 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,160
+$6,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$75,240
+$9,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$100,320
+$12,320 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $47,880
25th Percentile $59,280
Median (50th) $74,579
75th Percentile $91,200
90th Percentile $104,880

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Tacoma

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. Tacoma and the surrounding Washington area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ExercisesPatient CareDocumentationCommunicationAdaptabilityCompassion

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Tacoma may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in Tacoma, WA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Tacoma

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Tacoma, Washington is $74,579 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $47,880 (10th percentile) to $104,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,579, a occupational therapy assistant in Tacoma earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Tacoma's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $74,579 is 4.2% below the Washington state average of $77,850. 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 therapy assistant salary of $74,579 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapy assistant in Tacoma? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Tacoma require a associate's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Exercises, Patient Care, Documentation, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 25% nationally over the next decade.