Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Ellensburg, WA: $36.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Ellensburg, WA runs $36.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,155 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Ellensburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,690 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ellensburg, the projected hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant (COTA) is $36.61, slightly exceeding the national median of $35.74. This competitive rate allows for flexible work arrangements, making it an attractive option for part-time professionals looking to balance work and personal commitments. Many COTAs operating in settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics can expect to earn between $27.24 and $42.49 per hour, depending on their level of experience and specific employment conditions. Part-time positions (approximately 24 hours a week) and per-diem roles can provide financial stability while also accommodating shifting schedules and additional opportunities for those seeking diverse experiences across different therapy environments in Ellensburg.
About the Ellensburg 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) | $27.24 | $217.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.59 | $252.75 |
| Median (P50) | $36.61 | $292.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.87 | $310.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.49 | $339.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ellensburg
Based on $36.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.61/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ellensburg, WA can expect to earn approximately $76,150 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,933. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ellensburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ellensburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,464.43 | $6,346 | $76,150 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $878.66 | $3,808 | $45,690 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $585.77 | $2,538 | $30,460 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Ellensburg) | $36.61 |
| 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 Ellensburg, WA earn a median of $76,155 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.45% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 4.60% below the Washington state average of $79,828.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.61/hr = $45,690/year (purchasing power: $42,542).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,150/year (purchasing power: $70,903).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Ellensburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Ellensburg grew 17.5% from $30.30/hr (2019) to $35.61/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.64/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 Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg
Examining the part-time earning potential, a COTA working three days a week can expect annual take-home earnings significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. For instance, with an hourly rate of $36.61, a part-time employee might bring home around $28,000 per year, contrasting with a full-time salary that may exceed $76,155. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Ellensburg varies; while many professionals may bill between $30 and $45 per hour, travel COTAs can earn as much as $1,700 weekly in certain contracts. However, despite higher rates, some COTAs opt for lower-paying positions that offer health insurance benefits, balancing paycheck size with job security. Different employer types in the area may also influence hourly pay rates, with skilled nursing facilities typically offering lower compensation compared to outpatient clinics. When negotiating pay, COTAs should emphasize experience and credentials, particularly those pursuing the COTA-to-MOT bridge pathways, to secure better hourly compensation.
More salary data for Ellensburg, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Ellensburg in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Ellensburg?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Ellensburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Ellensburg?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Ellensburg?
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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 Ellensburg. 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 Ellensburg 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