Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Puyallup, WA: $76,442 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Puyallup, WA earns a median $76,442/year (≈ $36.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Puyallup's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $71,175 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant salary in Puyallup, WA, is projected to reach a median of $76,442, placing it slightly above the national median of $74,332. This salary range varies significantly from $57,945 at the 10th percentile to $92,153 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse job market that accommodates various levels of experience and different employment settings. Importantly, these figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments. The Puyallup job market showcases a mix of opportunities in skilled nursing facilities, schools, and hospital settings, each influenced by post-Medicare cut realities that affect compensation and employment trends.
About the Puyallup Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,945 | $27.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,011 | $32.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,442 | $36.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,457 | $40.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,153 | $44.30 |
Median Salary Position
2.84% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Puyallup
In Puyallup, WA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,208 (2026 est.). At $76,442, the local median is 2.84% above the national median of $74,332.
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How Puyallup Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Puyallup median: $76,442/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Puyallup Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $79,794 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +2.84% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Puyallup, WA earn a median of $76,442 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.84% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 4.20% below the Washington state average of $79,794.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Puyallup has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Puyallup, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,442 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,175 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,257
2025 BLS Actual
$74,353
2026 Current Est.
$76,442
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Puyallup (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,257 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,727 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,483 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,074 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,913 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,045 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,353 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,442 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,590 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Puyallup metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $63,257 (2019) to $74,353 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,590 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,333 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Puyallup 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) | $57,945 – $67,011 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,011 – $76,442 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,442 – $84,457 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,457 – $92,153 |
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 Puyallup
With only 10 occupational therapy assistants currently employed in Puyallup, the local job market remains competitive yet constrained. The city's cost of living index stands at 107.4, meaning expenses are above the national average, which can impact take-home pay and purchasing power for COTAs. While skilled nursing facilities typically offer lower pay, hospital inpatient rehab roles tend to provide higher compensation due to increased productivity expectations and weekend or PRN premiums. Additionally, opportunities within school district contracts often provide more stability but may limit annual earnings due to school-year versus year-round contracts. To maximize pay in this specific market, occupational therapy assistants should consider pursuing roles in high-demand settings like outpatient clinics or gaining additional certifications that enhance their skillset and value in the eyes of potential employers.
More salary data for Puyallup, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Puyallup, 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 $74,353 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Puyallup 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 Puyallup 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