Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Pullman, WA: $36.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Pullman, WA runs $36.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,616 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Pullman's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,972 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pullman, Washington, occupational therapy assistants can expect a median hourly pay of $36.84, which is slightly above the national average of $35.74. This figure highlights the earning potential for professionals working in a variety of settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. For those considering part-time or per-diem work, such as a 24-hour weekly schedule spaced over three days, the pay can provide a reasonable income while allowing flexibility. The hourly range in Pullman varies significantly as well, with entry-level positions starting around $28.06, while seasoned professionals can command up to $45.86 per hour. These estimates stem from projected annual salary data for 2026, which reflects the broader dynamics of the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay landscape in WA.
About the Pullman 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) | $28.06 | $224.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.40 | $259.16 |
| Median (P50) | $36.84 | $294.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.80 | $326.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.86 | $366.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pullman
Based on $36.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.84/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pullman, WA can expect to earn approximately $76,621 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,204. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pullman.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pullman
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,473.47 | $6,385 | $76,621 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $884.08 | $3,831 | $45,972 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $589.39 | $2,554 | $30,648 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Pullman) | $36.84 |
| 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 Pullman, WA earn a median of $76,616 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.07% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 4.00% below the Washington state average of $79,808.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.84/hr = $45,972/year (purchasing power: $42,805).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,621/year (purchasing power: $71,341).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pullman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Pullman grew 17.5% from $30.48/hr (2019) to $35.83/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.87/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 Pullman 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 Pullman
Looking at the financial implications of part-time work, occupational therapy assistants on a 3-day work schedule might take home a significantly different sum compared to their full-time counterparts. Part-time positions can yield around $36,000 annually for those working approximately 24 hours per week, while full-time COTAs can exceed $76,616 with overtime or additional shifts. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Pullman typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, with lucrative opportunities for travel contracts billing between $1,100 and $1,700 per week. However, the recent decline in premium pay in skilled nursing facilities post-2022's Medicare reimbursement cuts has reshaped the financial landscape. Occupational therapy assistants in Pullman may also find varying hourly rates based on their employer type, with those in educational settings often receiving lower pay compared to outpatient venues. It’s crucial for COTAs to consider trade-offs, such as choosing lower hourly wages for positions that offer health benefits versus higher pay with none. Effective negotiation strategies could involve showcasing your specialized skills or experience, particularly with agencies that offer competitive per diem contracts.
More salary data for Pullman, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Pullman in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Pullman?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Pullman paid hourly or salary?
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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 Pullman. 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 Pullman 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