Occupational Therapist Salary in Washington
Based on 3K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$107,670
$51.76/hr
vs National Average
$98,754
+9.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$83K – $135K
3K employed in Washington
The median Occupational Therapist salary in Washington is a robust $107,670 per year. This figure represents a strong earning potential for the profession within the state, positioning Washington's therapists significantly higher, by 9%, than the national average. Currently, approximately 3,340 individuals are employed in this vital role across Washington.
Several factors contribute to the Occupational Therapist salary in Washington. Experience level plays a significant role, with seasoned professionals often commanding higher salaries. Additionally, location within the state, with metropolitan areas potentially offering more, and the specific setting of employment, such as hospitals versus private practice, can influence overall compensation and the salary range of $83,110 to $135,290.
Salary Distribution — Occupational Therapist in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $83,110 |
| 25th percentile | $95,650 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $107,670 |
| 75th percentile | $127,390 |
| 90th percentile | $135,290 |
Top-Paying Industries for Occupational Therapist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Occupational Therapists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Occupational Therapists in Washington tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $105,560 | 3K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $101,950 | 200 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $101,410 | 570 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $101,080 | 133K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $100,120 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Occupational Therapist in Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $94,900 |
| 2023 | $100,250 |
| 2024 | $102,360 |
| 2025 | $107,670 |
| 2026 (projected) | $113,255 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $94,900 | $88,771 |
| 2023 | $100,250 | $93,040 |
| 2024 | $102,360 | $95,329 |
| 2025 | $107,670 | $98,754 |
| 2026 (projected) | $113,255 | $103,877 |
Occupational Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $95,650 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $107,670 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $127,390 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $135,290 |
Occupational Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Occupational Therapist Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Occupational Therapist ($107,670 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Occupational Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in WA | $656,330 | +509.6% | $315.54/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in WA | $499,990 | +364.4% | $240.38/hr |
| Surgeon in WA | $479,460 | +345.3% | $230.51/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in WA | $380,870 | +253.7% | $183.11/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in WA | $343,140 | +218.7% | $164.97/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in WA | $340,010 | +215.8% | $163.47/hr |
| Psychiatrist in WA | $304,920 | +183.2% | $146.60/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in WA | $292,900 | +172.0% | $140.82/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in WA | $274,390 | +154.8% | $131.92/hr |
| Podiatrist in WA | $232,970 | +116.4% | $112.00/hr |
| Dentist in WA | $169,730 | +57.6% | $81.60/hr |
| Pediatrician in WA | $169,540 | +57.5% | $81.51/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Occupational Therapists make in Washington?
- The median salary for an Occupational Therapist in Washington is $107,670 per year, which translates to about $52 per hour. This figure is 9.0% higher than the national average salary for the profession.
What is the typical salary range for an Occupational Therapist in Washington?
- In Washington, Occupational Therapists can expect to earn within a range of $83,110 to $135,290 annually. This range reflects variations in experience, location, and employer.
How many Occupational Therapists are employed in Washington?
- There are approximately 3,340 Occupational Therapists currently employed in Washington state. This indicates a significant demand for these healthcare professionals within the state.
Is the salary for Occupational Therapists in Washington higher than the national average?
- Yes, Occupational Therapists in Washington earn a median salary of $107,670 per year, which is 9.0% more than the national average. This higher earning potential can be attributed to various factors, including the cost of living and demand within the state.