Auburn vs Tacoma: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Auburn, WA and Tacoma, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, WA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,911▲ | $78,440 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.94▲ | $37.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,052 | $54,393▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,470▲ | $65,738 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,894 | $89,828▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,599 | $104,468▲ |
| Total Employed | 23 | 56▲ |
Verdict
Auburn and Tacoma are closely matched on overall occupational therapy assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Auburn and Tacoma is $471 (0.60%). Auburn's median is +6.16% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $46,547,Tacoma spans $50,075. Tacoma has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Auburn ($73,474 effective) pays 0.60% more than Tacoma ($73,035 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,911/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,474)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tacoma if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,468)
- ✓Larger job market (56 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Auburn grew 0.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -2.6% growth in Tacoma over the same period.
Auburn, WA
$76,435 (2024) → $76,754 (2025)
Tacoma, WA
$78,319 (2024) → $76,296 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, WA
Tacoma, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Auburn or Tacoma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Tacoma?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Tacoma as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Auburn vs Tacoma?
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov