Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Bremerton, WA: $78,228 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Bremerton, WA earns a median $78,228/year (≈ $37.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Bremerton's price level (6% above national, BEA RPP 105.6), that paycheck buys what $74,075 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Washington state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bremerton, occupational therapy assistant salary projections for 2026 indicate a median of $78,228, positioning local pay higher than the national median of $74,332. The salary range for this profession in Bremerton extends from $52,844 at the 10th percentile to $88,848 at the 90th percentile. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflect the economic landscape for occupational therapy assistants navigating diverse employment settings. With the ongoing effects of the 15% Medicare cut on reimbursement affecting skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) more severely than other settings, many professionals are reconsidering opportunities in schools and outpatient clinics, which tend to offer better compensation in light of these adjustments.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,844 | $25.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,394 | $33.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,228 | $37.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,446 | $39.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,848 | $42.72 |
Median Salary Position
5.24% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bremerton
In Bremerton, WA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,004 (2026 est.). At $78,228, the local median is 5.24% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Bremerton: You'd be above the median
How Bremerton Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Bremerton median: $78,228/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bremerton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $79,825 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +5.24% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Bremerton, WA earn a median of $78,228 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.24% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.00% below the Washington state average of $79,825.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bremerton has a cost of living 5.61% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bremerton, WA has a cost-of-living index of 105.607 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,228 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,075 — a 5.31% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,734
2025 BLS Actual
$76,090
2026 Current Est.
$78,228
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Bremerton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,734 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,239 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,966 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,618 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,523 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,487 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,090 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,228 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,426 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bremerton metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $64,734 (2019) to $76,090 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,426 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,692 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bremerton 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $52,844 – $70,394 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,394 – $78,228 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,228 – $81,446 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,446 – $88,848 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Bremerton
The local job market in Bremerton is modest, with 40 occupational therapy assistants currently employed, illustrating a stable but competitive field. The cost of living index sits at 105.607, indicating that expenses are slightly above the national average. This figure suggests that while salaries may appear competitive, actual purchasing power could be affected. Employers that typically offer the highest pay include hospital inpatient rehab and school district contracts, whereas SNFs face tighter budgets due to the recent reimbursement changes. The salary spread in Bremerton reflects variations in productivity expectations and contract types, with school positions generally providing more stability. To maximize earning potential, occupational therapy assistants should consider seeking roles in higher-paying environments and negotiate for benefits that can enhance overall compensation, such as weekend shifts or year-round employment contracts.
More salary data for Bremerton, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Bremerton, WA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Bremerton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Bremerton?
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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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $76,090 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Bremerton metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-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