Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Puyallup, WA: $49.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Puyallup, WA runs $49.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,638 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Puyallup's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,187 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Puyallup, Washington, occupational therapists earn a median hourly rate of $49.83, exceeding the national hourly median of $49.71. This competitive pay offers significant opportunities for both part-time workers and per-diem positions, common in various settings such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy environments, and home health visits. For those working three days a week, the hourly structure allows for flexible schedules, with entry-level therapists earning around $37.90 per hour, while experienced professionals can command up to $63.62. This wide range reflects varying employer types and patient needs, indicating a diverse market for occupational therapist hourly pay in Puyallup.
About the Puyallup 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) | $37.90 | $303.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.10 | $336.80 |
| Median (P50) | $49.83 | $398.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.38 | $467.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.62 | $508.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Puyallup
Based on $49.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.83/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Puyallup, WA can expect to earn approximately $103,645 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,795. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Puyallup.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Puyallup
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,993.18 | $8,637 | $103,645 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,195.91 | $5,182 | $62,187 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $797.27 | $3,455 | $41,458 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Puyallup) | $49.83 |
| 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 Puyallup, WA earn a median of $103,638 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.23% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 4.20% below the Washington state average of $108,182.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.83/hr = $62,187/year (purchasing power: $57,902).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,645/year (purchasing power: $96,504).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Puyallup (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Puyallup grew 18.1% from $40.94/hr (2019) to $48.35/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.35/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 Puyallup 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 Puyallup
Part-time occupational therapists who work 24 hours a week can expect to take home just over $62,000 annually, which falls short compared to full-time salaries but allows for a balanced lifestyle. The per diem occupational therapist pay in Puyallup typically falls within a competitive range of $50 to $75 per hour, with specialized hand therapists holding CHT credentials often earning between $80 and $110 per hour, especially in cash-pay settings. Travelers and locum tenens OTs may find contracts that yield $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, reflecting the demand across various healthcare environments. Hourly pay rates can differ based on the employer’s budget and benefits packages, pushing some therapists to consider lower pay with benefits versus higher rates without insurance. For those negotiating contracts or hourly wages in Puyallup, emphasizing specialty skills or certifications can provide leverage for higher rates while maintaining a focus on the overall employment package.
More salary data for Puyallup, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Puyallup in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Puyallup?
Are occupational therapists in Puyallup paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Puyallup?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Puyallup?
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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 Puyallup. 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 Puyallup 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