Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Kirkland, WA: $38.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Kirkland, WA runs $38.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,562 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Kirkland's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,743 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Kirkland, WA, enjoy a competitive hourly compensation, with a median pay of $38.26. This figure surpasses the national median hourly rate of $35.74, offering a favorable advantage for local practitioners. For those working part-time, such as a typical 3-day work schedule, this hourly rate allows for a comfortable income while working in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient clinics, and even home health visits. Entry-level positions start at around $26.22, while more experienced professionals can earn up to $46.48 per hour, reflecting the diverse opportunities available within Kirkland's healthcare landscape. It's crucial to keep in mind that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary projections and highlight the potential for both steady salary income and more flexible per-diem work.
About the Kirkland 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) | $26.22 | $209.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.62 | $252.99 |
| Median (P50) | $38.26 | $306.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.52 | $332.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.48 | $371.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kirkland
Based on $38.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.26/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kirkland, WA can expect to earn approximately $79,572 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,907. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kirkland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kirkland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,530.22 | $6,631 | $79,572 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $918.13 | $3,979 | $47,743 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $612.09 | $2,652 | $31,829 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Kirkland) | $38.26 |
| 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 Kirkland, WA earn a median of $79,562 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.04% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.30% below the Washington state average of $79,801.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.26/hr = $47,743/year (purchasing power: $44,453).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,572/year (purchasing power: $74,089).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Kirkland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Kirkland grew 17.5% from $31.66/hr (2019) to $37.21/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.33/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 Kirkland 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 Kirkland
Developing a successful career as an occupational therapy assistant in Kirkland can take different shapes. For part-time workers clocking around 24 hours per week, earnings can significantly differ from those of full-time employees, impacting their financial stability. When considering per-diem roles, which typically offer lower rates of about $30-$45 per hour, these positions may also lead to travel contracts that can pay as much as $1,700 per week. However, the decline in skilled nursing facility (SNF) rates post the 2022 Medicare cut introduces variable pay dynamics, prompting some COTAs to seek higher hourly positions with agencies despite the lack of benefits. Working in diverse employer settings like outpatient clinics or early intervention programs can yield different rates too; often, professionals need to weigh the benefits of health insurance against potentially higher hourly pay in less secure environments. Negotiating salaries within the context of Kirkland's job market necessitates understanding these trade-offs, enabling occupational therapy assistants to craft a career that aligns with both personal goals and financial aspirations.
More salary data for Kirkland, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Kirkland in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Kirkland?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Kirkland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Kirkland?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Kirkland?
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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 Kirkland. 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 Kirkland 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