Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Kennewick, WA: $79,201 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Kennewick, WA earns a median $79,201/year (≈ $38.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Kennewick's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $73,744 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapy assistants in Kennewick, WA, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $79,201, representing a notable increase compared to the national median of $74,332. The salary range extends from $53,794 at the 10th percentile to $100,801 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse employment landscape for COTAs across various practice settings. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost factors, which shows Kennewick's salary values to exceed the national average by approximately 6.55%. The divide among different work environments—skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), educational settings, and hospitals—reflects the ongoing ripple effects of recent Medicare cuts, which have reshaped compensation structures. Employers in the region must navigate the challenges of providing competitive salaries while balancing operational costs, resulting in varying pay rates across different settings.
About the Kennewick Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,794 | $25.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,801 | $33.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,201 | $38.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,518 | $41.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,801 | $48.46 |
Median Salary Position
6.55% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kennewick
In Kennewick, WA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,007 (2026 est.). At $79,201, the local median is 6.55% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Kennewick: You'd be above the median
How Kennewick Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Kennewick median: $79,201/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kennewick Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $79,839 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +6.55% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Kennewick, WA earn a median of $79,201 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.55% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.80% below the Washington state average of $79,839.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kennewick has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kennewick, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,201 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,744 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,539
2025 BLS Actual
$77,036
2026 Current Est.
$79,201
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Kennewick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,539 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,063 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,774 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,459 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,399 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,717 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,036 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,201 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,426 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kennewick metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $65,539 (2019) to $77,036 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,426 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,887 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kennewick 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) | $53,794 – $69,801 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,801 – $79,201 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,201 – $85,518 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,518 – $100,801 |
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 Kennewick
As of the latest estimates, there are 19 occupational therapy assistants employed in Kennewick, indicating a modest but steady demand for professionals in this field. The local cost of living index stands at 107.4, which means that while salaries might be higher, the purchasing power could be impacted by the elevated cost of everyday expenses. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer more competitive salaries, as they often face greater reimbursement pressures, particularly after the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for OTA services began in 2022. This has led to a hierarchy in pay, with hospital settings usually paying more than educational institutions, which may offer year-round positions unlike school-year contracts that can limit income. To maximize their potential earnings, COTAs in Kennewick may benefit from pursuing a range of employment opportunities, including part-time or per diem roles that can offer additional premiums. Networking and obtaining specialized certifications through NBCOT can also help elevate their career prospects, particularly as demand continues to adapt within the healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Kennewick, 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
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 $77,036 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Kennewick 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
Salary data for Kennewick 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