Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Tukwila, WA: $73,791 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Tukwila, WA earns a median $73,791/year (≈ $35.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Tukwila's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $68,707 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tukwila, Washington, occupational therapy assistants can expect a median annual salary of $73,791 in 2026, which represents a slight decrease of 0.73% compared to the national median of $74,332. The salary range for these positions varies widely, with earnings projected to fall between $57,237 at the lower end (P10) and $85,673 at the upper end (P90). These figures are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parity, reflecting a local job market that has been impacted by economic factors, particularly following recent Medicare cuts. Notably, the divide in pay across different settings—such as skilled nursing facilities, schools, and hospitals—plays a significant role in shaping the overall compensation landscape for occupational therapy assistants in Tukwila.
About the Tukwila Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,237 | $27.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,694 | $30.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,791 | $35.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,362 | $37.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,673 | $41.19 |
Median Salary Position
0.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tukwila
In Tukwila, WA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,436 (2026 est.). At $73,791, the local median is 0.73% below the national median of $74,332.
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How Tukwila Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Tukwila median: $73,791/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tukwila Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $79,860 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -0.73% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Tukwila, WA earn a median of $73,791 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.73% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.60% below the Washington state average of $79,860.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tukwila has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tukwila, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $73,791 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,707 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,062
2025 BLS Actual
$71,774
2026 Current Est.
$73,791
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Tukwila (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,062 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,482 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,281 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,783 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,522 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,476 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,774 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,791 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,864 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tukwila metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $61,062 (2019) to $71,774 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,864 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,802 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tukwila 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) | $57,237 – $63,694 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,694 – $73,791 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,791 – $78,362 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,362 – $85,673 |
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 Tukwila
Employment opportunities for occupational therapy assistants are relatively limited in Tukwila, with only four positions currently filled in the area. Despite this small workforce, the cost of living index stands at 107.4, indicating that expenses can be higher than the national average, which in turn can impact take-home pay and purchasing power. Among the different employment settings, rehabilitation hospitals tend to offer salaries on the higher end, while school contracts may pay less due to factors like the school year calendar and funding constraints. Additionally, variations in pay are influenced by expectations around productivity, weekend and PRN (as-needed) work premiums, and the ongoing effects of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for OTA services. Those seeking to maximize their compensation in Tukwila might consider pursuing work in hospital settings, where salary expectations are generally more favorable, or exploring opportunities for continued education and certifications through avenues like COTA-to-MOT bridge programs to enhance their marketability.
More salary data for Tukwila, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Tukwila, WA in 2026?
Is Tukwila, WA a good place to work as a occupational therapy assistant?
Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Tukwila?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Tukwila?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in Tukwila?
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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 $71,774 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Tukwila 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 Tukwila 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