Healthcare Wisconsin (WI) Rank #26 of 50

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Wisconsin

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Wisconsin is $61,495 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $65,420.

Median Salary
$61,495
vs National
$-3,925
State Rank
#26 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #26 out of 50 states for occupational therapy assistant compensation. Occupational Therapy Assistant salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $61,495 per year, occupational therapy assistants in Wisconsin earn $3,925 less than the national median of $65,420.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $61,495 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $66,842 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: occupational therapy assistants at the 10th percentile earn $39,480, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $86,480 — a $47,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $66,728.

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Wisconsin and beyond.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $41,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,720 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,360
$-2,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,040
$-3,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,720
$-5,280 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $39,480
25th Percentile $48,880
Median (50th) $61,495
75th Percentile $75,200
90th Percentile $86,480

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for occupational therapy assistants in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Wisconsin

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. Wisconsin has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ExercisesPatient CareDocumentationCommunicationAdaptabilityCompassion

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Wisconsin's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Wisconsin is $61,495 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $39,480 (10th percentile) to $86,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,495, a occupational therapy assistant in Wisconsin earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for occupational therapy assistants? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #26 out of 50 states for occupational therapy assistant pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn $41,360, while senior professionals earn $82,720.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for occupational therapy assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for occupational therapy assistants is Hawaii at $116,448. Wisconsin's median of $61,495 ranks #26 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Utah ($63,457) and Texas ($61,495).
What is the entry-level occupational therapy assistant salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level occupational therapy assistant in Wisconsin earns approximately $41,360 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $62,040. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $82,720.
What city in Wisconsin pays occupational therapy assistants the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for occupational therapy assistants, with a median salary of $66,728. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.