Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Burien, WA: $38.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Burien, WA runs $38.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,461 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Burien's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,679 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burien, Washington, occupational therapy assistants earn a median hourly pay of $38.20, which exceeds the national median of $35.74 by about 6.90%. This rate reflects the competitive landscape for COTAs working in various settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. For those considering part-time or per-diem positions, such as a 3-day work schedule, the earnings can still be substantial. Specifically, a part-time occupational therapy assistant can expect to make between $28.09 and $48.88 hourly, allowing for flexibility while still securing a solid income. These hourly rates are derived from estimates based on annual salary data available for 2026, underscoring the potential for earning based on experience and employer type.
About the Burien 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) | $28.09 | $224.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.98 | $263.85 |
| Median (P50) | $38.20 | $305.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.85 | $342.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.88 | $391.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burien
Based on $38.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.20/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burien, WA can expect to earn approximately $79,465 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,845. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Burien.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burien
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,528.17 | $6,622 | $79,465 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $916.90 | $3,973 | $47,679 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $611.27 | $2,649 | $31,786 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Burien) | $38.20 |
| 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 Burien, WA earn a median of $79,461 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.90% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.50% below the Washington state average of $79,860.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.20/hr = $47,679/year (purchasing power: $44,394).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,465/year (purchasing power: $73,990).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Burien grew 17.5% from $31.61/hr (2019) to $37.16/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.28/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 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Burien
In considering part-time roles, an occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week can earn significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts, translating into a distinct financial picture. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Burien often ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, with travel contracts available for COTAs commanding between $1,100 and $1,700 per week. It’s crucial to note that some facilities, particularly skilled nursing facilities, offer a lesser hourly pay rate, especially due to the reimbursement cuts introduced in 2022. Thus, many COTAs find themselves weighing the benefits of higher hourly pay without health insurance against steady employment that offers benefits but at a lower hourly rate. Negotiating hourly pay in Burien requires an understanding of local market rates and specific employer practices, allowing occupational therapy assistants to optimize their compensation while navigating the complexities of the healthcare system.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Burien in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Burien?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Burien paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Burien?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Burien?
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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 Burien. 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 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