OT Assistant Salary

Kennewick vs Spokane Valley: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Kennewick, WA and Spokane Valley, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Kennewick, WA
$79,201
$38.08/hr
Spokane Valley, WA
$73,949
$35.55/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKennewick, WASpokane Valley, WA
Median Salary$79,201$73,949
Hourly Rate$38.08$35.55
Entry Level (P10)$53,794$51,228
25th Percentile$69,801$61,642
75th Percentile$85,518$82,291
Top Earner (P90)$100,801$93,598
Total Employed1921
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Kennewick ($79,201) and Spokane Valley ($73,949) occupational therapy assistant salaries.KennewickSpokane ValleyMedian Salary$79,201$73,949Entry Level (P10)$53,794$51,228Top Earner (P90)$100,801$93,598US Median $74,332

Verdict

Kennewick, WA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Spokane Valley.

The salary gap between Kennewick and Spokane Valley is $5,252 (7.10%). Kennewick's median is +6.55% compared to the US national median of $74,332.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kennewick spans $47,007,Spokane Valley spans $42,370. Kennewick has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Kennewick
P10 (Entry)$53,794
P25$69,801
Median$79,201
P75$85,518
P90 (Top)$100,801
Spokane Valley
P10 (Entry)$51,228
P25$61,642
Median$73,949
P75$82,291
P90 (Top)$93,598

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Kennewick ($73,744 effective) pays 7.10% more than Spokane Valley ($68,854 effective).

Kennewick
Nominal: $79,201
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $73,744
Spokane Valley
Nominal: $73,949
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $68,854

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Kennewick if…

  • Higher median salary ($79,201/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($100,801)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,744)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Spokane Valley if…

  • Larger job market (21 employed)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Kennewick grew 0.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -9.6% growth in Spokane Valley over the same period.

Kennewick, WA

+0.4%

$76,717 (2024) → $77,036 (2025)

Spokane Valley, WA

+-9.6%

$79,604 (2024) → $71,928 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Kennewick or Spokane Valley?

Kennewick has a higher median occupational therapy assistant salary at $79,201/year, compared to Spokane Valley at $73,949/year — a difference of $5,252 (7.10%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and Spokane Valley?

Kennewick occupational therapy assistants earn $38.08/hr while Spokane Valley hygienists earn $35.55/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Kennewick to Spokane Valley as a occupational therapy assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Kennewick and Spokane Valley. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Kennewick = $73,744, Spokane Valley = $68,854), job availability (19 vs 21 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Kennewick vs Spokane Valley?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapy assistants earn $53,794 in Kennewick and $51,228 in Spokane Valley. The Kennewick area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, COTA/LData verified by Samuel Chen, OTR/L

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov