Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Bothell, WA: $37.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Bothell, WA runs $37.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,957 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Bothell's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,178 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Bothell, Washington, is projected to reach a median of $37.00, placing it slightly above the national hourly median of $35.74. This competitive rate positions COTAs well for various working arrangements, such as part-time roles often found in skilled nursing facility therapy rooms, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and even home health visits. For professionals working three days a week, this can translate to significant weekly earnings, particularly as entry-level positions offer around $28.45/hour while top earners can achieve $44.99/hour. These hourly figures are informed by the projected annual salary data, illustrating the financial viability for those who choose flexible work schedules in the Bothell area.
About the Bothell 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) | $28.45 | $227.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.73 | $261.88 |
| Median (P50) | $37.00 | $296.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.04 | $312.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.99 | $359.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bothell
Based on $37.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.00/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bothell, WA can expect to earn approximately $76,963 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,402. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bothell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bothell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,480.05 | $6,414 | $76,963 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $888.03 | $3,848 | $46,178 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $592.02 | $2,565 | $30,785 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Bothell) | $37.00 |
| 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 Bothell, WA earn a median of $76,957 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.53% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 3.60% below the Washington state average of $79,831.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.00/hr = $46,178/year (purchasing power: $42,996).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,963/year (purchasing power: $71,660).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Bothell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Bothell grew 17.5% from $30.62/hr (2019) to $35.99/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.04/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 Bothell 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 Bothell
For occupational therapy assistants considering part-time work, annual earnings can vary significantly compared to full-time positions. A COTA working 24 hours a week would see more modest earnings overall, but may find per diem options, which often bill between $30 and $45 per hour, more appealing. Meanwhile, traveling COTAs might secure contracts yielding $1,100 to $1,700 weekly, highlighting varied compensation across employment types. In Bothell, how these pay grades differentiate by employer—be it skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or school districts—can lead to essential benefits trade-offs. Occupational therapy assistants may choose lower hourly rates for inclusive health insurance rather than higher rates devoid of benefits. For those negotiating hourly rates, understanding the local job market and positioning oneself strategically are key to securing the best compensation in this evolving field.
More salary data for Bothell, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Bothell in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Bothell?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Bothell paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Bothell?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Bothell?
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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 Bothell. 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 Bothell 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