Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Spokane Valley, WA: $35.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Spokane Valley, WA runs $35.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,949 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Spokane Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,369 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Spokane Valley, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at $35.55, which is slightly lower than the national median of $35.74. This competitive rate allows for a robust earning potential, particularly attractive for part-time workers and per-diem roles across various settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation units. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants can expect to earn around $24.63 per hour, while experienced professionals may reach up to $45.00 per hour. These numbers illustrate the flexibility of the profession, accommodating those who may seek part-time work for three days a week in conjunction with other commitments, or those pursuing per-diem opportunities that often demand high rates for immediate availability.
About the Spokane Valley 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) | $24.63 | $197.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.64 | $237.12 |
| Median (P50) | $35.55 | $284.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.56 | $316.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.00 | $360.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Spokane Valley
Based on $35.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.55/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Spokane Valley, WA can expect to earn approximately $73,948 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,662. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Spokane Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Spokane Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,422.07 | $6,162 | $73,948 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $853.24 | $3,697 | $44,369 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $568.83 | $2,465 | $29,579 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Spokane Valley) | $35.55 |
| 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 Spokane Valley, WA earn a median of $73,949 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.52% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.40% below the Washington state average of $79,859.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.55/hr = $44,369/year (purchasing power: $41,311).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,948/year (purchasing power: $68,852).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Spokane Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Spokane Valley grew 17.5% from $29.42/hr (2019) to $34.58/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.55/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 Spokane Valley 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 Spokane Valley
For those contemplating part-time hours, working three days a week can yield a modest annual income compared to full-time colleagues, significantly altering financial expectations. Per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Spokane Valley typically ranges between $30 and $45 per hour, with substantial contract opportunities in travel positions that can command rates of $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. Factors influencing hourly rates include the setting, such as skilled nursing facilities where compensation can be more tightly controlled post-2022 Medicare reimbursement cuts, to outpatient clinics that may offer more competitive wages. Many occupational therapy assistants weigh the decision between higher hourly wages without benefits versus lower rates with health insurance options. For those in Spokane Valley, understanding the negotiation landscape is crucial, with factors such as experience level, specialization, and the need for flexible schedules shaping discussions and potential offers.
More salary data for Spokane Valley, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Spokane Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Spokane Valley?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Spokane Valley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Spokane Valley?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Spokane Valley?
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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 Spokane Valley. 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 Spokane Valley 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