Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Lacey, WA: $37.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Lacey, WA runs $37.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,385 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Lacey's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,037 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lacey, WA, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $37.69 in 2026, surpassing the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This rate is significant not only for full-time COTAs but also for those seeking part-time or per-diem work. Working three days a week, a part-time occupational therapy assistant can earn a solid income while maintaining flexibility, critical in settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. The hourly pay ranges from $27.95 for entry-level positions to $48.46 for top earners, reflecting opportunities for growth within this field. These figures are based on annual salary data, providing a context for what hourly wages represent for professionals in this essential role.
About the Lacey 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) | $27.95 | $223.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.74 | $261.96 |
| Median (P50) | $37.69 | $301.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.25 | $322.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.46 | $387.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lacey
Based on $37.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.69/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lacey, WA can expect to earn approximately $78,396 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,228. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lacey.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lacey
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,507.61 | $6,533 | $78,396 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $904.56 | $3,920 | $47,037 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $603.04 | $2,613 | $31,358 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Lacey) | $37.69 |
| 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 Lacey, WA earn a median of $78,385 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.45% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.80% below the Washington state average of $79,822.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.69/hr = $47,037/year (purchasing power: $43,796).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,396/year (purchasing power: $72,994).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lacey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lacey grew 17.5% from $31.19/hr (2019) to $36.66/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.75/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 Lacey 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 Lacey
For those considering part-time positions, working 24 hours a week, an occupational therapy assistant can expect to earn approximately $39,299 annually, which is considerably lower than full-time earnings but still competitive within the market. Per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Lacey can vary, typically ranging between $30 to $45 per hour, depending on the setting and the agency. Some travel contracts can command $1,100 to $1,700 per week, appealing to those who appreciate the flexibility of contract work. However, it’s essential for COTAs to navigate the trade-offs: some may choose lower pay for stable hourly rates and benefits, such as health insurance, which are often less favorable in higher-paying per-diem positions. Understanding employer types in Lacey—ranging from skilled nursing facilities to outpatient clinics—can further inform COTAs about their potential earnings. Negotiating for hourly pay requires insight into local market trends, emphasizing the importance of being informed about compensation standards tied to specific work environments.
More salary data for Lacey, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lacey in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Lacey?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Lacey paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Lacey?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lacey?
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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 Lacey. 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 Lacey 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