OT Assistant Salary

Madison vs Menomonie: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Madison, WI and Menomonie, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Madison, WI
$56,412
$27.12/hr
Menomonie, WI
$56,452
$27.14/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMadison, WIMenomonie, WI
Median Salary$56,412$56,452
Hourly Rate$27.12$27.14
Entry Level (P10)$48,896$41,497
25th Percentile$48,896$48,336
75th Percentile$65,346$59,581
Top Earner (P90)$74,835$64,948
Total Employed1804
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Madison ($56,412) and Menomonie ($56,452) occupational therapy assistant salaries.MadisonMenomonieMedian Salary$56,412$56,452Entry Level (P10)$48,896$41,497Top Earner (P90)$74,835$64,948US Median $74,332

Verdict

Madison and Menomonie are closely matched on overall occupational therapy assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Madison and Menomonie is $40 (0.07%). Menomonie's median is -24.05% compared to the US national median of $74,332.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $25,939,Menomonie spans $23,451. Madison has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Madison
P10 (Entry)$48,896
P25$48,896
Median$56,412
P75$65,346
P90 (Top)$74,835
Menomonie
P10 (Entry)$41,497
P25$48,336
Median$56,452
P75$59,581
P90 (Top)$64,948

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Menomonie ($60,441 effective) pays 4.24% more than Madison ($57,985 effective).

Madison
Nominal: $56,412
CoL Index: 97.287
Adjusted: $57,985
Menomonie
Nominal: $56,452
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $60,441

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Madison if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($74,835)
  • Larger job market (180 employed)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Menomonie if…

  • Higher median salary ($56,452/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,441)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Madison grew 61.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -3.2% growth in Menomonie over the same period.

Madison, WI

+61.6%

$33,950 (2019) → $54,870 (2025)

Menomonie, WI

+-3.2%

$56,722 (2024) → $54,909 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Madison or Menomonie?

Menomonie has a higher median occupational therapy assistant salary at $56,452/year, compared to Madison at $56,412/year — a difference of $40 (0.07%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Menomonie?

Madison occupational therapy assistants earn $27.12/hr while Menomonie hygienists earn $27.14/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Madison to Menomonie as a occupational therapy assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Madison and Menomonie. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Madison = $57,985, Menomonie = $60,441), job availability (180 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Madison vs Menomonie?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapy assistants earn $48,896 in Madison and $41,497 in Menomonie. The Madison area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, COTA/LData verified by Samuel Chen, OTR/L

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