Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Oshkosh, WI: $46,840 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Oshkosh, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,840 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Oshkosh's local price level (BEA RPP 92.9 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,404 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,434) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field as occupational therapy assistants in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, can anticipate a starting salary around $46,840, which places them significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $59,434. This initial pay reflects the realities of the job market for entry-level professionals, but as COTAs gain experience and skills, they can realistically work their way up to the 25th percentile salary of $52,341 within a few years. Given that Oshkosh is projected to grow at an annual rate of 2.81%, this is an encouraging sign for new graduates seeking job stability and career advancement within a supportive community. Oshkosh’s health system likely offers adequate opportunities, particularly in rehab facilities and clinics that are looking to foster new talent in the occupational therapy sector.
Career Earnings Timeline in Oshkosh
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oshkosh
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Oshkosh, WI typically start between $46,840 and $52,341 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,148 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,434 — 20.04% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Wisconsin of $20,000 represents just 42.70% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($46,840/year) in Oshkosh. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school settings.
OTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Oshkosh
- 1Research the Oshkosh market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $46,840 to $52,341, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Oshkosh, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Oshkosh for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Oshkosh's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Compensation Range
The occupational therapy assistant wage spread in Oshkosh is $25,148 ( 53.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,840, experienced hygienists can earn up to $71,988.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,050
2025 BLS Actual
$45,560
2026 Current Est.
$46,840
2019–2027 Growth
+23.3%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Oshkosh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,050 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,520 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,419 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,419 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,970 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,410 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,560 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,840 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,156 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Oshkosh, WI grew 16.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,050 in 2019 to $45,560 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,156. New graduates entering the Oshkosh job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oshkosh metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Oshkosh
Several types of employers in Oshkosh actively seek to hire entry-level occupational therapy assistants, notably skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation firms, which typically provide the most opportunities for fresh graduates. School districts may also employ COTAs during the academic year, allowing for a summer-off schedule that can be appealing. To enhance starting pay, recent graduates should ensure they possess an Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, secure their COTA credentials from the NBCOT, and obtain licensure in Wisconsin. Given the financial compression in rehab and outpatient settings due to the 15% Medicare Part B cut that began impacting pay structures in 2022, aspiring COTAs should prioritize ongoing education in high-demand specialties, such as pediatrics or hand therapy. This proactive approach will position new graduates for steady salary growth, creating a more favorable trajectory in their first three years in the field.
More salary data for Oshkosh, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Oshkosh. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
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