Milwaukee vs Wisconsin Rapids: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Milwaukee, WI and Wisconsin Rapids, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | Wisconsin Rapids, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,195▲ | $54,546 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.86▲ | $26.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,371▲ | $41,574 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,846▲ | $46,547 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,735▲ | $57,422 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,146▲ | $62,517 |
| Total Employed | 230▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wisconsin Rapids.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and Wisconsin Rapids is $9,649 (17.69%). 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 Milwaukee spans $25,775,Wisconsin Rapids spans $20,943. Milwaukee 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, Milwaukee ($66,223 effective) pays 13.40% more than Wisconsin Rapids ($58,400 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Wisconsin Rapids if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Milwaukee grew 137.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -3.2% growth in Wisconsin Rapids over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$26,290 (2019) → $62,440 (2025)
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
$54,807 (2024) → $53,055 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Milwaukee or Wisconsin Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and Wisconsin Rapids?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to Wisconsin Rapids as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Milwaukee vs Wisconsin Rapids?
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