Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Longview, WA: $74,294 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Longview, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,294 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Longview's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,175 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($105,553) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the occupational therapy field in Longview, Washington, can expect starting salaries around $74,294, suggesting that entry-level positions may involve some financial realities that differ from the city’s median annual salary of $105,553. While this entry-level pay may feel limiting, the upward trajectory is promising, with the potential to increase to $85,108 as early-career professionals gain experience. With a projected growth rate of 3.06% annually, those new to the field can look forward to substantial salary increases over their first few years of practice, ultimately bridging the gap to the median salary in Longview. Given these numbers, Longview remains a viable market for new graduates entering occupational therapy, bolstered by local demand for skilled professionals.
About the Longview Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Longview
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Longview
Entry-level occupational therapists in Longview, WA typically start between $74,294 and $85,108 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $64,202 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $105,553 — 2.08% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Washington of $115,000 represents just 154.79% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($74,294/year) in Longview. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Master's and Doctoral occupational therapy programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institution programs; MOT programs typically run 2-3 years post-bachelor's.
OT, OTR Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Longview
- 1Research the Longview market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $74,294 to $85,108, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Longview, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Longview for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Longview's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapist Compensation Range
The occupational therapist wage spread in Longview is $64,202 ( 86.42%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,294, experienced hygienists can earn up to $138,496.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$66,830
2025 BLS Actual
$72,088
2026 Current Est.
$74,294
2019–2027 Growth
+14.6%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Longview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,830 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,650 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,017 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,672 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,572 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,828 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,088 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,294 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,567 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Longview, WA grew 7.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $66,830 in 2019 to $72,088 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,567. New graduates entering the Longview job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Longview 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 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Longview
Employers in Longview actively seek to recruit new occupational therapy graduates, providing a range of opportunities across various sectors. Hospitals that offer residency programs can help facilitate access to specialty certifications, while school districts often recruit OTs for year-round contracts that allow for summer breaks. Rehabilitation firms in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) also present job prospects, although they may impose pressure related to productivity. Upon entering the workforce, new graduates should consider obtaining credentials from an ACOTE-accredited program and passing the NBCOT national exam, along with pursuing state licensure. Additional qualifications like board certifications in specific areas can lead to better starting pay. For those in their first few years, a focus on gaining experience and witnessing salary growth is essential, especially with the industry's shift toward requiring doctoral-level education by 2027. In this evolving landscape, specialized training, such as obtaining the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, may significantly enhance earning potential and career prospects in Longview and throughout Washington.
More salary data for Longview, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Longview in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Longview?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Longview?
What do new occupational therapists make right out of school in Longview?
How do I become a occupational therapist in Washington?
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Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Longview. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Longview 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 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov