Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Mount Vernon, WA: $37.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Mount Vernon, WA runs $37.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,657 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Mount Vernon's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,588 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mount Vernon, Washington, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $37.33 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $35.74 per hour. This competitive rate offers a strong incentive for those considering part-time positions, particularly in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation units. For part-time work, averaging three days a week, an occupational therapy assistant can make a substantial income while balancing personal life. The hourly pay range for this profession varies, reflecting entry-level positions starting around $26.19 and top earners reaching up to $46.14, making it feasible for both new graduates and seasoned practitioners to thrive in this field.
About the Mount Vernon 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) | $26.19 | $209.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.44 | $267.55 |
| Median (P50) | $37.33 | $298.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.13 | $329.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.14 | $369.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mount Vernon
Based on $37.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.33/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mount Vernon, WA can expect to earn approximately $77,647 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,796. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Mount Vernon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mount Vernon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,493.21 | $6,471 | $77,647 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $895.93 | $3,882 | $46,588 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $597.28 | $2,588 | $31,059 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Mount Vernon) | $37.33 |
| 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 Mount Vernon, WA earn a median of $77,657 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.47% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.70% below the Washington state average of $79,811.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.33/hr = $46,588/year (purchasing power: $43,378).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,647/year (purchasing power: $72,297).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mount Vernon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Mount Vernon grew 17.5% from $30.89/hr (2019) to $36.31/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.38/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 Mount Vernon 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 Mount Vernon
Exploring the earning potential further reveals that a part-time occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week could expect to make approximately $46,531 annually, while full-time earnings would be significantly higher, correlating with a 40-hour work week. For those opting for per diem opportunities, where rates typically fluctuate between $30 and $45 hourly, the income can vary dramatically based on the agency and location. Additionally, travel contracts often promise weekly pay ranging from $1,100 to $1,700, reflecting the demand for flexibility. It's crucial for occupational therapy assistants in Mount Vernon to consider their options strategically; while some may choose lower hourly rates with benefits such as health insurance, others may gravitate towards higher hourly pay without those perks. Negotiation strategies can significantly impact earnings—understanding employer practices across different settings, from school districts to home health agencies, offers avenues for securing better pay. Each choice carries trade-offs that professionals in this field need to weigh carefully.
More salary data for Mount Vernon, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Mount Vernon in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Mount Vernon?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Mount Vernon paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Mount Vernon?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Mount Vernon?
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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 Mount Vernon. 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 Mount Vernon 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