Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Kennewick, WA: $38.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Kennewick, WA runs $38.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,201 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Kennewick's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,525 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kennewick, Washington, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $38.08 in 2026, reflecting a competitive advantage over the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This difference can be significant for part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants working in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. Workers in these roles can expect an hourly rate that ranges from $25.87 at the lower end for entry-level positions, up to $48.46 for top earners. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, making them a key consideration for those evaluating job opportunities in Kennewick.
About the Kennewick 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) | $25.87 | $206.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.56 | $268.46 |
| Median (P50) | $38.08 | $304.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.11 | $328.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.46 | $387.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kennewick
Based on $38.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.08/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kennewick, WA can expect to earn approximately $79,208 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,697. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kennewick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kennewick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,523.23 | $6,601 | $79,208 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $913.94 | $3,960 | $47,525 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $609.29 | $2,640 | $31,683 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Kennewick) | $38.08 |
| 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 Kennewick, WA earn a median of $79,201 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.55% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.80% below the Washington state average of $79,839.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.08/hr = $47,525/year (purchasing power: $44,250).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,208/year (purchasing power: $73,751).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Kennewick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Kennewick grew 17.5% from $31.51/hr (2019) to $37.04/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.15/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 Kennewick 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 Kennewick
For those contemplating a part-time schedule, working three days a week as an occupational therapy assistant can yield varying financial outcomes compared to full-time employment. Typically, a 24-hour workweek might bring in approximately $44,000 annually, which underscores part-time earning potential while allowing for flexibility. Additionally, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Kennewick usually fluctuates between $30 and $45 per hour, with travel contracts offering even higher weekly rates ranging from $1,100 to $1,700. Notably, the decline in premium pay at skilled nursing facilities following the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut has created challenges for some, prompting professionals to consider job offers with lower hourly rates but with the added benefit of health insurance. Occupational therapy assistants in Kennewick can benefit from negotiating their pay by understanding the payment structure across various employers while pinpointing their specific financial needs and benefits preferences.
More salary data for Kennewick, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Kennewick in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Kennewick?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Kennewick paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Kennewick?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Kennewick?
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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 Kennewick. 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 Kennewick 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