Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Federal Way, WA: $79,111 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Federal Way, WA earns a median $79,111/year (≈ $38.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Federal Way's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $73,660 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those pursuing a career as an occupational therapy assistant in Federal Way, WA can expect a median annual salary of $79,111, placing it above the national average of $74,332 by 6.43%. The salary range for this occupation varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $56,283 and experienced practitioners earning as much as $99,319 annually. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect local market conditions and cost adjustments unique to the region. For individuals considering the COTA-to-MOT bridge pathway, this increase in expected lifetime earnings underscores the potential of furthering one's education, enhancing professional satisfaction and financial stability within the local job market.
About the Federal Way Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,283 | $27.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,065 | $32.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,111 | $38.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,307 | $41.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,319 | $47.74 |
Median Salary Position
6.43% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Federal Way
In Federal Way, WA, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,036 (2026 est.). At $79,111, the local median is 6.43% above the national median of $74,332.
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How Federal Way Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Federal Way median: $79,111/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Federal Way Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $79,830 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | +6.43% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Federal Way, WA earn a median of $79,111 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.43% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $79,830.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Federal Way has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Federal Way, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,111 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,660 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,465
2025 BLS Actual
$76,949
2026 Current Est.
$79,111
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Federal Way (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,465 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,987 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,699 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,381 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,319 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,630 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,949 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,111 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,334 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Federal Way metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $65,465 (2019) to $76,949 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,334 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,869 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Federal Way 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 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $56,283 – $67,065 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,065 – $79,111 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,111 – $87,307 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,307 – $99,319 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Federal Way
The occupational therapy assistant job market in Federal Way is relatively stable, employing 22 professionals in this field. However, with a cost-of-living index of 107.4, those salaries may not stretch as far as they would in lower-cost areas. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities often provide higher compensation packages compared to outpatient clinics and school districts, influenced by the productivity expectations and the specialized services needed in rehabilitation settings. The variation in pay can also be attributed to the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut affecting services in skilled nursing and outpatient environments since 2022. For aspiring professionals, strategies to enhance pay include seeking opportunities in high-demand areas, considering different employment settings, and potentially negotiating contracts to ensure optimal compensation. Understanding the dynamics of the local market can empower occupational therapy assistants to maximize their earning potential in Federal Way, WA.
More salary data for Federal Way, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $76,949 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Federal Way metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Federal Way 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 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
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