Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Lynnwood, WA: $37.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Lynnwood, WA runs $37.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,161 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Lynnwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,293 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapy assistants in Lynnwood, Washington can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $37.09, which slightly surpasses the national median of $35.74. This competitive hourly rate makes the profession appealing for part-time workers and those seeking per-diem positions. With typical shifts in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, and outpatient clinics, COTAs working three days a week can earn a substantial income while maintaining flexibility in their schedules. The hourly earnings range from $28.65 for entry-level positions up to $45.30 for experienced practitioners, providing opportunities for growth within the field, especially for assistants who leverage their specialization in various therapy domains or pursue additional training while working.
About the Lynnwood 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) | $28.65 | $229.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.94 | $263.52 |
| Median (P50) | $37.09 | $296.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.23 | $313.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.30 | $362.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lynnwood
Based on $37.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.09/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lynnwood, WA can expect to earn approximately $77,155 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,513. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lynnwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lynnwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,483.75 | $6,430 | $77,155 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $890.25 | $3,858 | $46,293 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $593.50 | $2,572 | $30,862 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Lynnwood) | $37.09 |
| 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 Lynnwood, WA earn a median of $77,161 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.81% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 3.30% below the Washington state average of $79,794.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.09/hr = $46,293/year (purchasing power: $43,103).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,155/year (purchasing power: $71,839).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lynnwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lynnwood grew 17.5% from $30.70/hr (2019) to $36.08/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.14/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 Lynnwood 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 Lynnwood
Part-time occupational therapy assistants working a 24-hour week in Lynnwood can expect to bring home approximately $46,570 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts who enjoy the full benefits of their roles. Per diem options are varied, with occupational therapy assistants often billing between $30 to $45 per hour for temporary assignments. Moreover, travel contracts can yield as much as $1,100 to $1,700 weekly, although the premium pay for agency COTAs has diminished in response to the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut implemented post-2022. Earnings can vary based on the type of employer, whether it’s a skilled nursing facility, hospital inpatient rehab, or home health agency, affecting the overall benefits package and compensation. Many COTAs must weigh the trade-off between accepting lower hourly wages with health insurance and seeking higher pay without offered benefits. Negotiating these factors based on individual needs and market conditions in Lynnwood can be critically important for occupational therapy assistants in the area.
More salary data for Lynnwood, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lynnwood in 2026?
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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 Lynnwood. 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 Lynnwood 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