Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Tumwater, WA: $37.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Tumwater, WA runs $37.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,146 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Tumwater's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,883 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tumwater, Washington, the median hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants is projected to be $37.57 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $35.74. This competitive hourly rate makes the profession appealing for both part-time and per-diem workers who often engage in roles across various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. For those working three days a week, this translates into a significant earnings potential that can support their financial goals. Additionally, the hourly wage range spans from $26.59 at entry-level positions to $46.89 for those who have advanced skills or experience, reflecting a promising growth trajectory and demand for COTAs in this region.
About the Tumwater 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) | $26.59 | $212.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.10 | $264.84 |
| Median (P50) | $37.57 | $300.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.46 | $315.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.89 | $375.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tumwater
Based on $37.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.57/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tumwater, WA can expect to earn approximately $78,139 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,080. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tumwater.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tumwater
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,502.67 | $6,512 | $78,139 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $901.60 | $3,907 | $46,883 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $601.07 | $2,605 | $31,256 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Tumwater) | $37.57 |
| 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 Tumwater, WA earn a median of $78,146 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.13% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.10% below the Washington state average of $79,822.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.57/hr = $46,883/year (purchasing power: $43,653).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,139/year (purchasing power: $72,755).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Tumwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Tumwater grew 17.5% from $31.09/hr (2019) to $36.54/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.62/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 Tumwater 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 Tumwater
Considering the part-time earning potential in Tumwater, an occupational therapy assistant working just 24 hours a week could earn approximately $46,114 annually, which provides a stark contrast to full-time earnings and reflects a different financial reality, especially for those interested in flexible work arrangements. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Tumwater typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, complemented by the possibility of contract work for traveling COTAs, which can yield $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. This occupational environment highlights variability in hourly rates dependent on employer types, with positions in skilled nursing facilities often offering different compensation than school districts or early intervention programs. While some assistants may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and benefits, others may prioritize higher pay without these perks. For those negotiating hourly pay, emphasizing specialized skills and being flexible with shifts can enhance leverage for better compensation in the evolving healthcare landscape of Tumwater.
More salary data for Tumwater, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Tumwater. 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 Tumwater 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