Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Bellevue, WA: $54.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Bellevue, WA runs $54.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $114,332 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Bellevue's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,605 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bellevue, Washington, an occupational therapist earns a median hourly pay of $54.97, significantly surpassing the national median hourly rate of $49.71. This elevated hourly compensation highlights the city's demand for skilled practitioners, especially in settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient therapy clinics. For part-time occupational therapists working three days a week, typically amounting to 24 hours, this hourly pay translates to a substantial income, making it appealing for those balancing other commitments. Per-diem workers can also benefit, as the hourly range extends from $37.17 at entry-level positions to an impressive $76.34 for top earners. It's essential to remember that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, reflecting Bellevue's robust market for occupational therapy services.
About the Bellevue Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.17 | $297.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.51 | $348.10 |
| Median (P50) | $54.97 | $439.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.23 | $513.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.34 | $610.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellevue
Based on $54.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.97/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellevue, WA can expect to earn approximately $114,342 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,967. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bellevue.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellevue
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,198.89 | $9,529 | $114,342 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,319.33 | $5,717 | $68,605 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $879.56 | $3,811 | $45,737 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Bellevue) | $54.97 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Bellevue, WA earn a median of $114,332 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.57% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 5.60% above the Washington state average of $108,269.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.97/hr = $68,605/year (purchasing power: $63,878).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $114,342/year (purchasing power: $106,464).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Bellevue (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bellevue grew 18.1% from $45.16/hr (2019) to $53.34/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.65/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bellevue 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapist in Bellevue
Engaging in part-time work as an occupational therapist in Bellevue can yield considerable annual earnings compared to full-time positions. For instance, a part-time therapist averaging 24 hours per week, based on the median hourly rate, potentially takes home around $68,000 annually. In contrast, those opting for per-diem roles or agency work have unique earning potentials with billing typically ranging from $50 to $75 per hour; specialized hand therapists could command rates as high as $80 to $110 per hour in cash practices. In Bellevue, varied employer types—such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school districts—impact hourly wages, with some therapists trading higher rates for benefits like health insurance. Strategies for negotiating pay may include emphasizing specialized credentials like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation, which can justify higher hourly rates due to its premium status in the field.
More salary data for Bellevue, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bellevue in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Bellevue?
Are occupational therapists in Bellevue paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Bellevue?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Bellevue?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Bellevue. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bellevue 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