Green Bay vs La Crosse: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Green Bay, WI and La Crosse, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Green Bay, WI | La Crosse, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,890 | $62,652▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.31 | $30.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,563▲ | $46,480 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,339▲ | $46,480 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,811 | $72,327▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,859▲ | $73,776 |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Green Bay and La Crosse are closely matched on overall occupational therapy assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Green Bay and La Crosse is $3,762 (6.39%). La Crosse's median is -15.71% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Green Bay spans $27,296,La Crosse spans $27,296. La Crosse has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, La Crosse ($68,271 effective) pays 7.91% more than Green Bay ($63,264 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Green Bay if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,859)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose La Crosse if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,652/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,271)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Green Bay grew 15.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.8% growth in La Crosse over the same period.
Green Bay, WI
$49,640 (2019) → $57,280 (2025)
La Crosse, WI
$45,880 (2019) → $60,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Green Bay, WI
La Crosse, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Green Bay or La Crosse?
What is the hourly rate difference between Green Bay and La Crosse?
Should I relocate from Green Bay to La Crosse as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Green Bay vs La Crosse?
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
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