Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in District of Columbia: $90,730 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across District of Columbia's 1 metropolitan areas, the average median occupational therapy assistant pay sits at $90,730/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 31-2011. Because District of Columbia sits at BEA RPP 117.0 (17% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $77,547 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Washington ($88,250).
In 2026, occupational therapy assistants in the District of Columbia can expect an average median salary of $90,730, which is significantly higher than the national median of $74,332, marking a 22.1% increase. All positions in the District are based in Washington, which is both the highest and lowest paying city at this salary level. Factors driving this salary consistency include the demand for rehabilitation services and the high cost of living in the capital. Occupational therapy assistants in Washington must comply with specific state licensing requirements, which include completing an accredited program and passing the national certification exam. The scope of practice laws in DC allow assistants to work in various settings, further supporting job opportunities. The job market for this profession is projected to grow at an annual rate of 2.81%, indicating a steady demand for occupational therapy services fueled by an aging population and increased focus on rehabilitation. Currently, there are approximately 420 employed occupational therapy assistants in the District, positioning this field as a stable career choice in Washington.
District of Columbia Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Range
Overall salary range in District of Columbia: $68,256 (lowest entry-level) to $100,713 (highest top earner)
District of Columbia vs National Average
District of Columbia occupational therapy assistants earn 22.06% more than the national median (+$16,398/year difference).
District of Columbia Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Distribution (2026)
Occupational Therapy Assistant salaries in District of Columbia range from $68,256 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $100,713 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $90,730. The District of Columbia median is $16,398 above the US national median of $74,332. The average hourly rate is $43.62/hr. Approximately 420 occupational therapy assistants are employed across 1 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,540
2025 BLS Actual
$88,250
2026 Current Est.
$90,730
2019–2027 Growth
+36.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in District of Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,540 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,450 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,020 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,790 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,670 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,230 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,250 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,730 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,279 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the District of Columbia metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 28.8% from $68,540 (2019) to $88,250 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $93,279 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,739 (36.09%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the District of Columbia 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.
Top 1 Highest Paying Cities in District of Columbia
Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $68,256 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $90,730 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $100,713 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across District of Columbia metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 1 Cities in District of Columbia
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $90,730 |
More District of Columbia Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in District of Columbia cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Explore More Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in District of Columbia in 2026?
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How does District of Columbia occupational therapy assistant pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level occupational therapy assistant salary in District of Columbia?
How many occupational therapy assistants are employed in District of Columbia?
Which District of Columbia city offers the best value for occupational therapy assistants?
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
Statewide salary 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 each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 occupational therapy assistant compensation across District of Columbia. State averages are employment-weighted across 1 metro areas — larger metro areas with more occupational therapy assistantscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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