Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Sammamish, WA: $37.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Sammamish, WA runs $37.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,316 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Sammamish's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,986 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sammamish, Washington, the projected hourly wage for occupational therapy assistants is $37.65, which exceeds the national hourly median of $35.74 by 5.36%. This figure can be particularly favorable for those seeking part-time work options, such as a typical three-day workweek, where hourly pay effectively allows for flexibility in balancing personal commitments while still maintaining a competitive income. For per-diem workers, this hourly rate reflects a robust compensation strategy in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. With an hourly range stretching from $27.87 at entry-level to $46.98 for experienced professionals, those embarking on a career as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) in Sammamish can expect several opportunities to grow their earnings over time.
About the Sammamish 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) | $27.87 | $222.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.85 | $254.80 |
| Median (P50) | $37.65 | $301.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.62 | $332.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.98 | $375.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sammamish
Based on $37.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.65/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sammamish, WA can expect to earn approximately $78,310 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,179. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sammamish.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sammamish
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,505.96 | $6,526 | $78,310 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $903.58 | $3,915 | $46,986 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $602.38 | $2,610 | $31,324 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Sammamish) | $37.65 |
| 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 Sammamish, WA earn a median of $78,316 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.36% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $79,832.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.65/hr = $46,986/year (purchasing power: $43,749).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,310/year (purchasing power: $72,914).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Sammamish (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Sammamish grew 17.5% from $31.15/hr (2019) to $36.62/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.71/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 Sammamish 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 Sammamish
Part-time occupational therapy assistants working 24 hours a week can realistically anticipate an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, making it essential to consider overall compensation packages, including benefits. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Sammamish typically fluctuates between $30 and $45 per hour, with travel contracts providing a higher weekly income, ranging from $1,100 to $1,700. However, compensation strategies vary based on the employer; for example, those within skilled nursing facilities may find their hourly pay reduced following the 15% reimbursement cut effective since 2022. Some choose higher hourly rates without benefits, while others accept lower pay for health insurance options. When negotiating, it can be beneficial for occupational therapy assistants to emphasize experience and flexibility, as many employers in Sammamish seek staff who can adapt to diverse therapeutic environments.
More salary data for Sammamish, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Sammamish in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Sammamish?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Sammamish paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Sammamish?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Sammamish?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Sammamish. 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 Sammamish 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