Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Bellevue, WA: $38.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Bellevue, WA runs $38.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,552 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Bellevue's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,333 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Bellevue, Washington, can expect a median hourly pay of $38.73 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national median of $35.74. This competitive hourly rate makes the profession appealing for part-time and per-diem workers who often seek flexibility in their employment. Part-time occupational therapy assistants working three days a week typically operate across varied settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and conducting home health visits. The hourly pay range in Bellevue spanned from $26.10 for entry-level positions (P10) to $50.88 for top earners (P90), indicating a robust market for occupational therapy assistants that reflects the local demand and cost of living, which is slightly elevated due to the area's economic conditions.
About the Bellevue Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.10 | $208.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.85 | $254.80 |
| Median (P50) | $38.73 | $309.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.59 | $340.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.88 | $407.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellevue
Based on $38.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.73/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellevue, WA can expect to earn approximately $80,555 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,474. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bellevue.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellevue
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,549.14 | $6,713 | $80,555 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $929.48 | $4,028 | $48,333 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $619.66 | $2,685 | $32,222 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Bellevue) | $38.73 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Bellevue, WA earn a median of $80,552 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.37% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.90% above the Washington state average of $79,833.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.73/hr = $48,333/year (purchasing power: $45,003).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,555/year (purchasing power: $75,005).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Bellevue (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Bellevue grew 17.5% from $32.05/hr (2019) to $37.67/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.82/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bellevue 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Bellevue
Focusing on the earning potential for different work arrangements, part-time occupational therapy assistants in Bellevue can expect to take home a notable annual income even while working only 24 hours a week, depending on their exact hourly rate. For those considering per-diem work, compensation may range from $30 to $45 per hour, while travel contracts can reach weekly earnings between $1,100 and $1,700. However, it's important to recognize the impact of employer types on pay rates—skilled nursing facilities and hospital settings may offer lower hourly wages while potentially providing health insurance benefits, which could be appealing for some workers. Negotiating hourly pay can be crucial in this market, as occupational therapy assistants can either push for higher rates without benefits or settle for slightly lower pay that includes health coverage, especially considering the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cuts affecting OTA services. By understanding the financial landscape and negotiating effectively, COTAs can position themselves favorably in Bellevue's job market.
More salary data for Bellevue, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Bellevue in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Bellevue?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Bellevue paid hourly or salary?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Bellevue. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bellevue 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