Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in University Place, WA: $37.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in University Place, WA runs $37.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,289 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against University Place'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 $46,973 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University Place, Washington, the projected hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants is set at $37.64 as of 2026, surpassing the national median of $35.74. This favorable rate is particularly relevant for those seeking part-time positions, enabling individuals who work three days a week to maintain competitive earnings. In various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics, COTAs earn between $26.91 and $47.03 based on experience and specialization. The data reflects insights from annual salary estimates, suggesting that hourly rates offer a clear perspective on the financial landscape for both entry-level and seasoned professionals in the area.
About the University Place 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) | $26.91 | $215.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.80 | $254.39 |
| Median (P50) | $37.64 | $301.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.66 | $317.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.03 | $376.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University Place
Based on $37.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.64/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University Place, WA can expect to earn approximately $78,289 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,166. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in University Place.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University Place
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,505.55 | $6,524 | $78,289 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $903.33 | $3,914 | $46,973 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $602.22 | $2,610 | $31,315 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (University Place) | $37.64 |
| 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 University Place, WA earn a median of $78,289 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.32% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $79,805.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.64/hr = $46,973/year (purchasing power: $43,737).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,289/year (purchasing power: $72,894).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in University Place (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 | $31.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in University Place grew 17.5% from $31.15/hr (2019) to $36.61/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.70/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 University Place 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 University Place
For those considering part-time positions, working as an occupational therapy assistant three days a week results in an impressive income compared to full-time earnings. Commonly, part-time COTAs can expect to take home a substantial income, given the competitive hourly pay structures in University Place. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in the area typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, with travel contracts further enhancing earning potential, often offering weekly totals between $1,100 and $1,700. The wage landscape can significantly vary depending on the type of employer; for instance, positions at skilled nursing facilities may offer different compensation compared to school district contracts or outpatient clinics. Some professionals may choose to accept roles with lower hourly rates for the added benefit of health insurance, while others prioritize higher pay that comes without benefits. In University Place, effective negotiation techniques can help occupational therapy assistants advocate for their worth, emphasizing skills and experience particularly in a market shaped by the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut implemented in 2022.
More salary data for University Place, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in University Place in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in University Place?
Are occupational therapy assistants in University Place paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in University Place?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in University Place?
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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 University Place. 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 University Place 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