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Occupational Therapy Assistant in Washington: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

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Washington employs 720 occupational therapy assistants, with a statewide median of $77,590 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Washington licensing picture, and where to train.

What Occupational therapy assistants Earn in Washington (May 2025)

Washington median pay: $77,590 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $62,960
Experienced (75th percentile): $81,890
Top earners (90th percentile): $88,250
Employed in Washington: 720
U.S. median (for comparison): $68,340 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for occupational therapy assistants in major Washington markets:

Seattle–Tacoma: $77,590 (350 employed)
Spokane: $70,570 (110 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Washington

Prices in Washington run about 7% above the national average (cost-of-living index 107.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $77,590 median is worth closer to $72,514 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Washington (2024–2034)

Washington is projected to grow occupational therapy assistants employment +30.8%, faster than the +19.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 180 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Washington License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) — regulated by the Washington State Department of Health.

Complete an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree program (typically 2 years, plus Level II fieldwork placements in clinical and community settings).
Pass the NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy) COTA exam.
Apply to the WA Department of Health for licensure. Renew every two years with continuing education.

Official requirements: Washington State Department of Health →

Training in Washington

Green River College and Yakima Valley College offer ACOTE-accredited OTA programs. Skilled nursing facilities, pediatric clinics, school systems, and hospital rehabilitation departments in the Puget Sound area are the primary employers.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Washington include:

Bates Technical College — Associate
Big Bend Community College — Associate
Centralia College — Associate
Clark College — Associate

Where Occupational therapy assistants Work in Washington

Real Washington outpatient rehab clinics that employ occupational therapy assistants include:

Select Physical Therapy — Bellevue
Ageility Physical Therapy Solutions at Bremerton — Bremerton
Select Physical Therapy — Des Moines
Cole Pediatric Therapy — Lakewood
Lynden Therapy Specialists — Lynden
Alderwood Pt & Rehab Services — Lynnwood

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: Patient, practical people who enjoy helping others rebuild daily-life skills.

Think twice if: You want independent desk work or dislike clinical documentation.

Why it's resilient: Occupational therapy support blends hands-on care, adaptation, human context, and patient motivation.

First Steps

Find ACOTE-accredited OTA programs and review fieldwork requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Washington?

The median wage for occupational therapy assistants in Washington is $77,590 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $62,960, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $88,250. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Washington?

Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), overseen by the Washington State Department of Health. Complete an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree program (typically 2 years, plus Level II fieldwork placements in clinical and community settings).

Is being an Occupational Therapy Assistant a good career in Washington?

Occupational therapy support blends hands-on care, adaptation, human context, and patient motivation.

Which Washington metros pay occupational therapy assistants the most?

Among Washington metro areas, Seattle–Tacoma leads at $77,590, followed by Spokane ($70,570). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Washington?

Real Washington options include Bates Technical College, Big Bend Community College, Centralia College. Most occupational therapy assistants start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Occupational Therapy Assistant a growing career in Washington?

Washington projects occupational therapy assistants employment to change +30.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 180 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Washington statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2011. Licensing summary compiled from the Washington State Department of Health (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Washington wages · Washington licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.