Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Pasco, WA: $77,892 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Pasco, WA earns a median $77,892/year (≈ $37.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Pasco's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $72,525 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median salary of $77,892 in 2026, the compensation for occupational therapy assistants in Pasco, Washington, reflects the region's competitive market. The salary range spans from $57,073 at the lowest tenth percentile to $96,357 at the top, indicating significant variation based on experience and job setting. These local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for the regional cost of living, highlight the area's ability to provide salaries slightly above the national median of $74,332 for this profession. A growing demand for therapy services in Pasco may influence these salary figures, potentially attracting more skilled professionals to the field.
About the Pasco Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,073 | $27.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,100 | $32.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,892 | $37.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,645 | $41.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,357 | $46.33 |
Median Salary Position
4.79% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pasco
In Pasco, WA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,284 (2026 est.). At $77,892, the local median is 4.79% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Pasco: You'd be above the median
How Pasco Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Pasco median: $77,892/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pasco Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $79,807 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +4.79% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pasco, WA earn a median of $77,892 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.79% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.40% below the Washington state average of $79,807.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pasco has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pasco, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,892 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,525 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,456
2025 BLS Actual
$75,763
2026 Current Est.
$77,892
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pasco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,456 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,955 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,687 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,327 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,220 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,449 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,763 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,892 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,081 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pasco metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $64,456 (2019) to $75,763 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,081 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,625 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasco 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) | $57,073 – $67,100 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,100 – $77,892 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,892 – $85,645 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,645 – $96,357 |
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 Pasco
In Pasco, the job market currently employs 18 occupational therapy assistants, contributing to a tight-knit community of professionals. The cost of living index of 107.4 indicates that expenses are higher than the national average, which can affect take-home pay and availability of disposable income. Employers in skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation programs typically offer the highest salaries, likely due to the complexity and intensity of care required in these settings. The notable difference between the lowest and highest salaries can be attributed to various factors, such as productivity expectations, the influence of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut, and the specific contract types. COTAs looking to maximize their pay in Pasco should consider opportunities in high-paying facilities and explore different employment settings. Additionally, maintaining flexibility for weekend or PRN work can also enhance earnings in this market.
More salary data for Pasco, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Pasco, WA in 2026?
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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 $75,763 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Pasco 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 Pasco 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