Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Pasco, WA: $37.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Pasco, WA runs $37.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,892 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Pasco's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,729 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pasco, Washington, the projected occupational therapy assistant hourly pay for 2026 stands at $37.44, which is higher than the national average of $35.74. This rate is particularly advantageous for both part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants who may work in varied settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate translates to meaningful earnings that can support flexible lifestyle choices. Entry-level positions may start around $27.44 per hour, gradually increasing to $46.33 for top earners within the profession. Such salary estimates provide insight into the financial opportunities available to COTAs as they grow in their careers while navigating the complexities of healthcare delivery.
About the Pasco 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) | $27.44 | $219.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.26 | $258.09 |
| Median (P50) | $37.44 | $299.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.18 | $329.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.33 | $370.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pasco
Based on $37.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.44/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pasco, WA can expect to earn approximately $77,882 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,932. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pasco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pasco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,497.74 | $6,490 | $77,882 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $898.64 | $3,894 | $46,729 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $599.09 | $2,596 | $31,153 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Pasco) | $37.44 |
| 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 Pasco, WA earn a median of $77,892 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.79% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.40% below the Washington state average of $79,807.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.44/hr = $46,729/year (purchasing power: $43,510).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,882/year (purchasing power: $72,516).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pasco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Pasco grew 17.5% from $30.98/hr (2019) to $36.42/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.50/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 Pasco 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 Pasco
Considering the financial implications of part-time versus full-time work, a COTA employed for three days a week at 24 hours could take home about $46,865 annually, significantly less than full-time colleagues earning a steady 40-hour week. Those engaging in per-diem roles often enjoy flexibility, billing rates between $30 and $45 per hour, with travel contracts yielding $1,100 to $1,700 weekly, although some may see a decline in premium pay due to the 2022 Medicare reimbursement cut. Occupational therapy assistants working across various employer types in Pasco experience differing pay structures, influenced by settings like skilled nursing facilities or outpatient clinics. This variation highlights a critical decision-making point for many professionals: while some may opt for higher rates without benefits, others prioritize comprehensive packages that include health insurance. Negotiating for better hourly rates or benefits can hinge on factors like local demand and the specific skill set of the COTA.
More salary data for Pasco, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Pasco in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Pasco?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Pasco paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Pasco?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Pasco?
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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 Pasco. 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 Pasco 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