Average Occupational Therapists Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Occupational Therapists in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $107,560, significantly surpassing the national average of $99,240. This elevated compensation is likely driven by a combination of strong regional economic factors and a robust demand for specialized healthcare services within this dynamic urban center.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $107,560 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $133,890.
- Outlook: The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area supports a substantial workforce of 2,260 Occupational Therapists. With a Location Quotient of 1.1, the concentration of these professionals is slightly above the national average, indicating a healthy and established market for OTs. The rate of 1.083 jobs per 1,000 workers further suggests consistent employment opportunities and a stable demand for their critical services.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+8.4%above the national average.
$51.7
$2,068
$8,963
Occupational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the demand for Occupational Therapists in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue region has seen steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This sustained demand, coupled with potential increases in healthcare needs and specialization, likely translates to a positive trajectory in average salaries for OTs in this area.
Occupational Therapists Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Career progression for Occupational Therapists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is typically marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their expertise and value to healthcare facilities. The salary distribution clearly signifies opportunities for significant income growth throughout an OT's career.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $79,810 | $38.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $80,670 | $38.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $104,120 | $50.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $134,450 | $64.6 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $133,890 | $64.4 |
Detailed Occupational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$107,560
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$107,560
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $107,560 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the higher nominal salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the increased earnings effectively offset the cost of living in this metropolitan area.
Job Market Context
2,260
Total Jobs
1.083
Per 1K Jobs
1.1
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.10, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Occupational Therapists roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.1 indicates that Occupational Therapists are slightly more concentrated in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet well-established job market where demand is robust enough to support a slightly higher density of professionals, offering good opportunities for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Occupational Therapists Salary | $109,190↑ 2% | 18 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $108,960↑ 1% | 42 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $107,040↓ 0% | 42 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Occupational Therapists Salary | $96,380↓ 10% | 47 mi |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Occupational Therapists Salary | $105,430↓ 2% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapists make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $107,560. This typically ranges from $79,810 for entry-level positions to $133,890 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 8.4% higher than the national median of $99,240.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Occupational Therapists?
Yes, it is a lucrative location for Occupational Therapists.The average salary of $107,560 is notably higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Occupational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($109,190) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Seattle OT salary compare to the national average?
Occupational Therapists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue earn an average of $107,560 annually, which is $8,320 more than the national average of $99,240.
What is the concentration of Occupational Therapists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
The Location Quotient for Occupational Therapists in this region is 1.1, meaning there is a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the Seattle OT salary?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $107,560 provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Occupational Therapists work in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area?
There are approximately 2,260 Occupational Therapists employed within the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,260 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 1.083 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Occupational Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA