Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Lacey, WA: $78,385 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Lacey, WA earns a median $78,385/year (≈ $37.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Lacey's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $72,984 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapy assistants in Lacey, Washington, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $78,385, reflecting a competitive pay scale compared to national figures. Those in the field can expect compensation that ranges from $58,137 at the 10th percentile to $100,804 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse job market where experience and setting significantly impact earnings. These estimates derive from 2025 BLS data adjusted for local cost factors, emphasizing how geographical context influences occupational therapy assistant pay in Lacey WA. As career pathways evolve, such as the transition from Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), practitioners may significantly enhance their lifetime earnings and professional opportunities in this growing field.
About the Lacey Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,137 | $27.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,112 | $32.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,385 | $37.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,727 | $40.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,804 | $48.46 |
Median Salary Position
5.45% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lacey
In Lacey, WA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,667 (2026 est.). At $78,385, the local median is 5.45% above the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lacey: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lacey Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Lacey median: $78,385/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lacey Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $79,822 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +5.45% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lacey, WA earn a median of $78,385 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.45% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.80% below the Washington state average of $79,822.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lacey has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lacey, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,385 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,984 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,865
2025 BLS Actual
$76,243
2026 Current Est.
$78,385
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lacey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,865 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,373 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,097 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,754 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,665 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,927 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,243 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,385 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,588 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lacey metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $64,865 (2019) to $76,243 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,588 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,723 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lacey 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) | $58,137 – $68,112 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,112 – $78,385 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,385 – $83,727 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,727 – $100,804 |
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 Lacey
The job market in Lacey is relatively small, with only 12 occupational therapy assistants employed in the area, yet this niche presents unique salary dynamics. Despite a cost-of-living index of 107.4 which indicates that living expenses are higher than the national average, the salaries offer a varied purchasing power for professionals. Among the local employers, skilled nursing facilities tend to offer higher wages, while school districts provide stability but typically lower compensation. Factors contributing to the discrepancies in pay include the type of setting, work expectations, and the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut on services in skilled nursing and outpatient clinics. To maximize earning potential in Lacey, occupational therapy assistants might consider accepting positions that offer weekend or PRN shifts, as these often come with additional pay premiums. Moreover, pursuing further education could also be beneficial for those aiming for positions with greater responsibility and compensation.
More salary data for Lacey, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Lacey?
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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 $76,243 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Lacey 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 Lacey 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