La Crosse vs Milwaukee: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between La Crosse, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | La Crosse, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,652 | $64,195▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.12 | $30.86▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,480 | $52,371▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,480 | $59,846▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,327 | $73,735▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,776 | $78,146▲ |
| Total Employed | 40 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to La Crosse.
The salary gap between La Crosse and Milwaukee is $1,543 (2.46%). Milwaukee's median is -13.64% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in La Crosse spans $27,296,Milwaukee spans $25,775. La Crosse has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, La Crosse ($68,271 effective) pays 3.09% more than Milwaukee ($66,223 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose La Crosse if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,271)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,195/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,146)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in La Crosse grew 32.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 137.5% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
La Crosse, WI
$45,880 (2019) → $60,940 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$26,290 (2019) → $62,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
La Crosse, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: La Crosse or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between La Crosse and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from La Crosse to Milwaukee as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in La Crosse vs Milwaukee?
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