Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Shoreline, WA: $38.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Shoreline, WA runs $38.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,074 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Shoreline's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,038 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Shoreline, Washington, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $38.49 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $35.74. This hourly figure is particularly significant for those seeking part-time opportunities, such as working three days a week in various therapeutic settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. For per-diem workers, hourly pay ranges from $26.82 at the 10th percentile to $47.41 at the 90th percentile, allowing for flexibility and a variety of earning scenarios. With a salary spectrum influenced by experience and employer settings, the context in which COTAs operate can lead to diverse hourly earnings, reflecting both entry-level opportunities and those for seasoned professionals in Shoreline.
About the Shoreline 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) | $26.82 | $214.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.13 | $257.02 |
| Median (P50) | $38.49 | $307.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.08 | $336.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.41 | $379.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shoreline
Based on $38.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.49/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shoreline, WA can expect to earn approximately $80,063 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,190. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Shoreline.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shoreline
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,539.68 | $6,672 | $80,063 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $923.81 | $4,003 | $48,038 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $615.87 | $2,669 | $32,025 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Shoreline) | $38.49 |
| 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 Shoreline, WA earn a median of $80,074 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.72% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.30% above the Washington state average of $79,834.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.49/hr = $48,038/year (purchasing power: $44,728).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,063/year (purchasing power: $74,547).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Shoreline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Shoreline grew 17.5% from $31.85/hr (2019) to $37.44/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.57/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 Shoreline 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 Shoreline
Examining the part-time earning potential highlights how a three-day work week can yield significant income. For example, an occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours has the potential to earn around $48,000 annually, contrasted with full-time earnings that can exceed $80,000. The per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Shoreline typically falls between $30 and $45 per hour, depending on the facility and contract specifics. While working in skilled nursing facilities or hospitals may offer more stable hourly wages, school districts and home health agencies might present varying rates due to budget constraints and the recent Medicare reimbursement cuts. COTAs often weigh the benefits of employment against hourly pay; many accept lower rates for the stability of health insurance versus opting for higher-paying roles that come without any benefits. Negotiation for hourly rates is vital; understanding market demand and the nuances of each employer type can empower occupational therapy assistants in Shoreline to advocate effectively for their worth.
More salary data for Shoreline, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Shoreline in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Shoreline?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Shoreline paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Shoreline?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Shoreline?
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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 Shoreline. 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 Shoreline 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