Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Wenatchee, WA: $75,693 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Wenatchee, WA earns a median $75,693/year (≈ $36.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Wenatchee's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $70,478 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Given the structural divide in occupational therapy settings in Wenatchee, Washington, the projected median salary for an occupational therapy assistant in 2026 stands at $75,693. This figure is slightly above the national median of $74,332, indicating a competitive local market for this occupation. The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in the Wenatchee area spans from $56,168 at the 10th percentile to $89,640 at the 90th percentile, with estimates derived from state-level data that consider regional price adjustments. The distinctions between skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), schools, and hospital settings create varying compensation profiles, especially in the wake of post-Medicare cuts, which have further affected job dynamics in these institutions. With only eight occupational therapy assistants currently employed in the area, the job market is small, yet the thriving healthcare environment suggests potential opportunities for growth.
About the Wenatchee Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,168 | $27.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,461 | $31.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,693 | $36.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,878 | $39.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,640 | $43.10 |
Median Salary Position
1.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wenatchee
In Wenatchee, WA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,472 (2026 est.). At $75,693, the local median is 1.83% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Wenatchee: You'd be above the median
How Wenatchee Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Wenatchee median: $75,693/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wenatchee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $79,845 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +1.83% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Wenatchee, WA earn a median of $75,693 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.83% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 5.20% below the Washington state average of $79,845.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wenatchee has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wenatchee, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $75,693 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,478 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,636
2025 BLS Actual
$73,624
2026 Current Est.
$75,693
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Wenatchee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,636 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,093 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,860 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,427 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,237 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,319 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,624 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,693 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,820 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wenatchee metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $62,636 (2019) to $73,624 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,820 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,184 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wenatchee 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) | $56,168 – $65,461 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,461 – $75,693 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,693 – $82,878 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,878 – $89,640 |
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 Wenatchee
In the context of Wenatchee's cost of living index at 107.4, which exceeds the national average, the purchasing power of salaries for occupational therapy assistants remains a crucial consideration. While salaries in rehabilitation hospitals typically offer higher compensation relative to SNFs and school contracts, the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut on OTA-provided services has created a challenging landscape for many COTAs. Factors such as setting, productivity expectations, weekend or PRN shifts, and seasonal contracts significantly influence pay rates. To maximize earning potential in the Wenatchee market, aspiring COTAs should consider seeking opportunities in hospital inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient clinics where pay tends to be more favorable. Networking with local employers and advocating for roles that provide summer and year-round contracts can also lead to enhanced financial outcomes. Understanding these dynamics will be essential for those aiming to advance in their careers while navigating a fluctuating job market.
More salary data for Wenatchee, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $73,624 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Wenatchee 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 Wenatchee 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