Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Lake Stevens, WA: $37.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Lake Stevens, WA runs $37.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,211 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Lake Stevens's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,332 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake Stevens, WA, occupational therapy assistants can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $37.12, which slightly surpasses the national hourly median of $35.74. This figure offers numerous opportunities for part-time or per-diem work, particularly in various healthcare settings like skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and schools. For those looking to work just three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a feasible income. In Lake Stevens, the hourly range for these positions spans from $28.59 at the lower end to $43.18 for top earners, indicating a healthy market for both entry-level practitioners and seasoned professionals alike. The estimates provided draw from annual salary data, painting a comprehensive picture of the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay landscape in the area.
About the Lake Stevens 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) | $28.59 | $228.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.99 | $263.93 |
| Median (P50) | $37.12 | $297.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.25 | $314.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.18 | $345.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Stevens
Based on $37.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.12/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Stevens, WA can expect to earn approximately $77,219 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,550. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Stevens.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Stevens
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,484.99 | $6,435 | $77,219 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $890.99 | $3,861 | $46,332 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $594.00 | $2,574 | $30,888 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Lake Stevens) | $37.12 |
| 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 Lake Stevens, WA earn a median of $77,211 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.87% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 3.30% below the Washington state average of $79,846.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.12/hr = $46,332/year (purchasing power: $43,139).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,219/year (purchasing power: $71,899).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lake Stevens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lake Stevens grew 17.5% from $30.72/hr (2019) to $36.11/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.17/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 Lake Stevens 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 Lake Stevens
The earning potential for part-time occupational therapy assistants working an average of 24 hours per week can yield a significantly different annual take-home than their full-time counterparts. Given the structure of per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Lake Stevens, professionals often find themselves charging between $30 and $45 per hour for agency or locum staffing services, contributing to a considerable variance in annual income. Some travel contracts can even go up to $1,700 a week, though the landscape has seen challenges following the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut in 2022, which has impacted pay rates in environments like skilled nursing facilities. Therefore, occupational therapy assistants often face a trade-off between higher hourly rates and the benefits some employers offer, such as health insurance. When negotiating rates, it is prudent to consider the type of employer carefully and assess the total compensation package, enhancing financial viability while navigating opportunities in Lake Stevens.
More salary data for Lake Stevens, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lake Stevens in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Lake Stevens?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Lake Stevens paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Lake Stevens?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lake Stevens?
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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 Lake Stevens. 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 Lake Stevens 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