Home / City Job Salaries / Occupational Therapist in Seattle

Occupational Therapist Salary in Seattle, WA

How much does a occupational therapist make in Seattle? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Seattle's cost of living.

Median Salary
$104,120
per year in Seattle
Entry Level
$69,413
Starting salary
Senior Level
$141,140
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
147
47% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how occupational therapist salaries break down across different pay periods in Seattle.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$69,413$104,120$141,140
Monthly$5,784$8,677$11,762
Biweekly$2,670$4,005$5,428
Weekly$1,335$2,002$2,714
Hourly$33$50$68

Seattle vs National Average

How Seattle's occupational therapist salaries compare to national figures.

Seattle Salary
$104,120
COL Index: 147
National Average
$87,950
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$16,170
Higher in Seattle

Cost of Living in Seattle

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,100
per month
Median Income
$78,340
per year
Population
753,675
residents
Rent % of Income
32.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 147 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Seattle have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Occupational Therapist

Overview

Help patients develop and maintain skills for daily living and work.

Education

Master's degree in Occupational Therapy; licensure required

Key Skills

Therapeutic TechniquesPatient AssessmentTreatment PlanningRehabilitation

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Occupational Therapist Salary

See Occupational Therapist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$102,750
-1%
Los Angeles, CA
$115,380
+11%
Chicago, IL
$100,940
-3%
Houston, TX
$101,050
-3%
Phoenix, AZ
$103,090
-1%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a occupational therapist salary in Seattle.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Seattle.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Seattle.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Seattle, WA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a occupational therapist in Seattle, WA is $104,120 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 147. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Seattle's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level occupational therapist professionals in Seattle can expect to earn around $69,413 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level occupational therapists earning approximately $141,140 per year. This represents a 103% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Seattle's cost of living index of 147 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Seattle are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $87,950, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a occupational therapist's salary in Seattle typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,100 per month, housing represents about 24.2% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Occupational Therapists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Seattle, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.