OT Assistant Salary

Marshfield vs Milwaukee: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)

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

Marshfield, WI
$56,336
$27.08/hr
Milwaukee, WI
$64,195
$30.86/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMarshfield, WIMilwaukee, WI
Median Salary$56,336$64,195
Hourly Rate$27.08$30.86
Entry Level (P10)$41,212$52,371
25th Percentile$48,091$59,846
75th Percentile$61,404$73,735
Top Earner (P90)$67,957$78,146
Total Employed4230
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Marshfield ($56,336) and Milwaukee ($64,195) occupational therapy assistant salaries.MarshfieldMilwaukeeMedian Salary$56,336$64,195Entry Level (P10)$41,212$52,371Top Earner (P90)$67,957$78,146US Median $74,332

Verdict

Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Marshfield.

The salary gap between Marshfield and Milwaukee is $7,859 (13.95%). 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 Marshfield spans $26,745,Milwaukee spans $25,775. Marshfield has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Marshfield
P10 (Entry)$41,212
P25$48,091
Median$56,336
P75$61,404
P90 (Top)$67,957
Milwaukee
P10 (Entry)$52,371
P25$59,846
Median$64,195
P75$73,735
P90 (Top)$78,146

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($66,223 effective) pays 9.79% more than Marshfield ($60,317 effective).

Marshfield
Nominal: $56,336
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $60,317
Milwaukee
Nominal: $64,195
CoL Index: 96.937
Adjusted: $66,223

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Marshfield if…

  • 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)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,223)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Marshfield grew -3.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 137.5% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.

Marshfield, WI

+-3.2%

$56,605 (2024) → $54,796 (2025)

Milwaukee, WI

+137.5%

$26,290 (2019) → $62,440 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Marshfield or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a higher median occupational therapy assistant salary at $64,195/year, compared to Marshfield at $56,336/year — a difference of $7,859 (13.95%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Marshfield and Milwaukee?

Marshfield occupational therapy assistants earn $27.08/hr while Milwaukee hygienists earn $30.86/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Marshfield to Milwaukee as a occupational therapy assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Marshfield and Milwaukee. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Marshfield = $60,317, Milwaukee = $66,223), job availability (4 vs 230 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Marshfield vs Milwaukee?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapy assistants earn $41,212 in Marshfield and $52,371 in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee 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