Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Longview, WA: $54,608 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Longview, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,608 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Longview's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,845 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($77,855) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Longview, WA can expect a starting salary around $54,608. This figure establishes a notable gap compared to the overall median salary for occupational therapy assistants in the city, which stands at $77,855. Over the first few years in the field, new graduates can realistically anticipate a progression in earnings as they gain experience, aiming to reach the 25th percentile salary of $65,236 by the end of their early career phase. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.81%, Longview presents a promising market for new entrants, particularly in light of the demand for occupational therapy services across various healthcare settings.
About the Longview Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Longview
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 Longview
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Longview, WA typically start between $54,608 and $65,236 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,004 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $77,855 — 4.74% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Washington of $26,000 represents just 47.61% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($54,608/year) in Longview. 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 Longview
- 1Research the Longview market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $54,608 to $65,236, 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 Longview, 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 Longview for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Longview'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 Longview is $42,004 ( 76.92%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,608, experienced hygienists can earn up to $96,612.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,047
2025 BLS Actual
$53,115
2026 Current Est.
$54,608
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Longview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,047 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,543 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,287 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,453 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,206 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,350 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,115 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,608 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,142 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Longview, WA grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,047 in 2019 to $53,115 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,142. New graduates entering the Longview job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Longview 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 Longview
A variety of employers in Longview cater to newly graduated COTAs, particularly skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), which often serve as the primary hiring ground for those just starting. School districts may offer attractive options for work-life balance, permitting time off during the summer. However, outpatient clinics generally prefer experienced therapists, although they may be willing to train new grads in specialized areas such as pediatric and hand therapy. To enhance earning potential, graduates should pursue credentials like an Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, pass the NBCOT national exam for COTAs, and obtain a state OTA license. It's wise for new professionals to focus on gaining practical experience and potentially explore advanced practice areas, especially in light of the 15% reduction in Medicare reimbursement for OTA-provided services since 2022, which affects salary structures in both SNF and outpatient settings. Realistic salary expectations for the first three years in the field would see growth as experience accumulates, aligning with market trends and the supervisory framework set by licensed OTs.
More salary data for Longview, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Longview in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Longview?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Longview?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Longview?
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 Longview. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Longview 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