Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Wenatchee, WA: $36.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Wenatchee, WA runs $36.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,693 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Wenatchee's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,421 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wenatchee, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay reaches a median of $36.39, slightly above the national median of $35.74. This competitive hourly rate reflects the importance of COTAs in diverse settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school districts, making it appealing for both part-time and per-diem professionals. For instance, a part-time worker clocking in three days a week may find this hourly compensation makes a substantial difference to their overall earnings, while per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Wenatchee can range significantly, depending on experience and specific job requirements. The local market offers an hourly range from $27.01 (entry-level) to $43.10 (experienced professionals), providing options for those starting their careers as well as seasoned COTAs looking to maximize their income.
About the Wenatchee 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) | $27.01 | $216.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.47 | $251.76 |
| Median (P50) | $36.39 | $291.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.85 | $318.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.10 | $344.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wenatchee
Based on $36.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.39/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wenatchee, WA can expect to earn approximately $75,701 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,674. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wenatchee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wenatchee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,455.79 | $6,308 | $75,701 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $873.47 | $3,785 | $45,421 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $582.32 | $2,523 | $30,280 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Wenatchee) | $36.39 |
| 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 Wenatchee, WA earn a median of $75,693 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.83% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 5.20% below the Washington state average of $79,845.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.39/hr = $45,421/year (purchasing power: $42,291).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,701/year (purchasing power: $70,485).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Wenatchee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Wenatchee grew 17.5% from $30.12/hr (2019) to $35.40/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.42/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 Wenatchee 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 Wenatchee
For an occupational therapy assistant working part-time, say three days a week for a total of 24 hours, the annual take-home pay represents a more modest yet stable alternative compared to full-time positions. A per-diem role offers flexibility, allowing professionals to adjust their work hours based on personal needs, often charging between $30 and $45 per hour. However, they might face variability in availability and income consistency as a result of the evolving reimbursement environment following the 15% Medicare cut for OTA services after 2022. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and hospitals may offer different hourly rates based on their budgets and operational requirements. Many COTAs need to weigh the benefits of full-time positions—often including health insurance—against hourly work that provides higher pay but may lack traditional employment benefits. When negotiating compensation, COTAs in Wenatchee should consider the full spectrum of employer offerings and potential trade-offs to secure the best possible deal conducive to their career and personal goals.
More salary data for Wenatchee, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Wenatchee in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Wenatchee?
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Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Wenatchee?
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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 Wenatchee. 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 Wenatchee 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