Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Burien, WA: $58,426 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Burien, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,426 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burien's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,400 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,461) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burien, Washington, new graduates entering the field of occupational therapy assisting can expect a starting occupational therapy assistant salary of approximately $58,426 in 2026. This entry-level figure is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $79,461, indicating a gap that early-career professionals may need to bridge as they gain experience. Over the first few years, salaries are projected to increase gradually, with the expectation of moving towards the $68,604 mark for those in the 25th percentile after obtaining further skills or certifications. Given the competitive nature of the healthcare field in this region, Burien currently presents a viable market for new COTAs, especially as demand for rehabilitation services continues to grow, supported by a projected annual growth rate of 2.81%.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burien
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burien
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Burien, WA typically start between $58,426 and $68,604 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,227 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,461 — 6.9% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Washington of $26,000 represents just 44.50% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($58,426/year) in Burien. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school settings.
OTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Burien
- 1Research the Burien market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $58,426 to $68,604, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burien, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Burien for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burien's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Compensation Range
The occupational therapy assistant wage spread in Burien is $43,227 ( 73.99%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,426, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,653.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$46,057
2025 BLS Actual
$56,829
2026 Current Est.
$58,426
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,057 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,657 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,664 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,911 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,717 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,043 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,829 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,426 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,068 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Burien, WA grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,057 in 2019 to $56,829 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,068. New graduates entering the Burien job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burien metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Burien
Several employers in Burien actively seek to hire new graduates in this profession. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) often recruit recent graduates, while school districts can offer appealing summer schedules that align with the needs of new grad occupational therapy assistants. Practicing under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists, entry-level COTAs in outpatient settings might find they require additional mentorship due to the prior 15% Medicare Part B cut to OTA-provided services, which has affected pay scales. To enhance starting pay in WA, obtaining an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, passing the NBCOT exam for COTA credentialing, and securing a state license are essential steps. Over the first one to three years, realistic salary growth is generally anticipated for those who pursue specialized training in areas like pediatric therapy, which can also improve job prospects.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Burien in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Burien?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Burien?
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How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in Washington?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Burien. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burien is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
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