Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Tacoma, WA: $78,440 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Tacoma, WA earns a median $78,440/year (≈ $37.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Tacoma's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $73,035 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tacoma, Washington, the projected occupational therapy assistant salary in 2026 reaches an impressive $78,440 annually, slightly above the national average of $74,332. This median salary reflects a salary range that spans from $54,393 at the 10th percentile to $104,468 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse compensation landscape based on experience, specialty, and work settings. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost-of-living factors where Tacoma's index stands at 107.4, slightly above the national average. Given the demand for occupational therapy services and productivity expectations that often dictate compensation, the talent pool in Tacoma appears poised to benefit from these favorable salary dynamics.
About the Tacoma Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,393 | $26.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,738 | $31.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,440 | $37.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,828 | $43.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,468 | $50.22 |
Median Salary Position
5.53% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tacoma
In Tacoma, WA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,075 (2026 est.). At $78,440, the local median is 5.53% above the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tacoma: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tacoma Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Tacoma median: $78,440/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tacoma Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $79,796 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +5.53% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Tacoma, WA earn a median of $78,440 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.53% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.70% below the Washington state average of $79,796.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tacoma has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tacoma, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,440 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,035 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,910
2025 BLS Actual
$76,296
2026 Current Est.
$78,440
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Tacoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,910 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,419 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,142 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,801 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,714 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,319 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,296 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,440 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,644 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tacoma metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $64,910 (2019) to $76,296 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,644 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,734 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tacoma 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) | $54,393 – $65,738 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,738 – $78,440 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,440 – $89,828 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,828 – $104,468 |
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 Tacoma
In the local job market, Tacoma employs 56 occupational therapy assistants, creating a close-knit community where professionals can collaborate and grow. However, it's essential to consider the cost of living, as the above-average index of 107.4 can impact disposable income and purchasing power. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation units typically offer the highest wages, while school district contracts or home health agencies may present lower pay scales. Factors influencing the income disparity include productivity expectations, the significance of weekend or PRN shifts, and the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cuts affecting OTA-provided services. To maximize pay in Tacoma, professionals should seek employment with healthcare settings that prioritize OT services and consider taking advantage of opportunities for continued education, such as pursuing COTA-to-MOT bridge pathways or additional certifications recognized by the AOTA and NBCOT.
More salary data for Tacoma, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Tacoma, WA in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Tacoma?
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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 $76,296 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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