Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Olympia, WA: $38.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Olympia, WA runs $38.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,071 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Olympia's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,448 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Olympia, the expected hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant is approximately $38.02, surpassing the national median of $35.74. This competitive rate provides a strong foundation for both part-time and per-diem workers, especially in diverse settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. For those working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a significant earnings potential, with entry-level positions starting at about $25.68 and top earners reaching $45.74 per hour. Such a pay structure enables occupational therapy assistants in Olympia to balance both hourly work and their professional responsibilities under the supervision of occupational therapists according to local and Medicare regulations.
About the Olympia 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) | $25.68 | $205.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.43 | $267.47 |
| Median (P50) | $38.02 | $304.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.00 | $328.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.74 | $365.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Olympia
Based on $38.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.02/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Olympia, WA can expect to earn approximately $79,080 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,623. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Olympia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Olympia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,520.77 | $6,590 | $79,080 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $912.46 | $3,954 | $47,448 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $608.31 | $2,636 | $31,632 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Olympia) | $38.02 |
| 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 Olympia, WA earn a median of $79,071 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.38% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.00% below the Washington state average of $79,870.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.02/hr = $47,448/year (purchasing power: $44,179).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,080/year (purchasing power: $73,631).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Olympia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Olympia grew 17.5% from $31.46/hr (2019) to $36.98/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.09/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 Olympia 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 Olympia
Considering the earning potential for part-time occupational therapy assistants, those working 24 hours a week can anticipate annual take-home amounts that differ notably from full-time salaries. Per diem roles tend to command flexible rates, with many billing between $30 to $45 per hour, which can be attractive for those seeking temporary contracts in various settings like schools or home health agencies. Although the recent decline in premium pay for skilled nursing facility agency positions has created challenges, those willing to navigate hourly contracts might find opportunities. As the industry adjusts to the impacts of the 15% Medicare Part B cut, some COTAs may accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, leading to a dynamic discussion around work-life balance and financial wellness in Olympia. For optimal negotiation outcomes, understanding the pay structures across different employer types and clearly defining personal priorities will be critical for occupational therapy assistants considering job offers in the region.
More salary data for Olympia, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Olympia in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Olympia?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Olympia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Olympia?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Olympia?
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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 Olympia. 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 Olympia 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