Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Seattle, WA: $54.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Seattle, WA runs $54.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $113,222 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Seattle's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.1, 11% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,936 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Seattle, WA, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $54.44 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $49.71. This competitive pay offers attractive opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers in various settings, including hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and school districts. With an hourly range starting at $41.45 for entry-level positions and potentially reaching $68.40 for experienced professionals, the compensation reflects the growing demand for qualified OTs to provide essential therapy services. Official data from 2025, projected to 2026, highlights the robust earning potential of occupational therapy, positioning Seattle as a favorable location for those entering or transitioning within the field.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.45 | $331.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.13 | $385.03 |
| Median (P50) | $54.44 | $435.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.38 | $515.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.40 | $547.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Seattle
Based on $54.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.44/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Seattle, WA can expect to earn approximately $113,227 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,324. With a cost-of-living index of 111.13 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Seattle.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Seattle
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,177.45 | $9,436 | $113,227 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,306.47 | $5,661 | $67,936 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $870.98 | $3,774 | $45,291 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Seattle) | $54.44 |
| 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 Seattle, WA earn a median of $113,222 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.50% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 4.60% above the Washington state average of $108,243.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.44/hr = $67,936/year (purchasing power: $61,131).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $113,227/year (purchasing power: $101,885).
CoL index: 111.133 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+37.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Seattle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Seattle grew 29.5% from $40.78/hr (2019) to $52.82/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.10/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 Seattle 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 Seattle
The earning potential for part-time occupational therapists in Seattle varies significantly depending on their hours and employment settings. For example, an occupational therapist working three days a week, or 24 hours, might take home approximately $67,828 annually, compared to a full-time clinician earning significantly more. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Seattle typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, while CHT-credentialed hand therapists can command rates from $80 to $110 in cash-pay practices. Travel OT contracts may offer enticing weekly payouts between $1,800 and $2,800, appealing to many professionals seeking flexibility and higher compensation. However, working in settings such as skilled nursing facilities or outpatient clinics may yield lower hourly wages but often include benefits like health insurance. For occupational therapists negotiating their hourly rates, understanding the variations across employer types and factoring in benefits versus higher pay without them is essential in determining the best fit for their personal and professional goals.
More salary data for Seattle, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Seattle in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Seattle?
Are occupational therapists in Seattle paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Seattle?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Seattle?
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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 Seattle. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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