Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Sheboygan, WI: $41,195 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Sheboygan, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $41,195 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sheboygan's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,106 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($56,850) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those starting their careers as occupational therapy assistants in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, can expect a beginning salary around $41,195. This starting pay is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $56,850, indicating a gap that new graduates may strive to close over the initial years of their careers. With gains typically seen in the first few years, early-career professionals might see their compensation rise towards the $48,434 mark around the 25th percentile, and potentially reaching the median within three to five years. Sheboygan presents a relatively stable market for recent graduates in this field, making it a practical option for those looking to embark on their professional journeys in occupational therapy.
About the Sheboygan Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sheboygan
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 Sheboygan
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Sheboygan, WI typically start between $41,195 and $48,434 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,118 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $56,850 — 23.52% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Wisconsin of $20,000 represents just 48.55% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($41,195/year) in Sheboygan. 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 Sheboygan
- 1Research the Sheboygan market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $41,195 to $48,434, 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 Sheboygan, 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 Sheboygan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sheboygan'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 Sheboygan is $27,118 ( 65.83%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $41,195, experienced hygienists can earn up to $68,313.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,474
2025 BLS Actual
$40,069
2026 Current Est.
$41,195
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Sheboygan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,474 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,602 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,427 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,306 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,875 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,737 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,069 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,195 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,353 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Sheboygan, WI grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,474 in 2019 to $40,069 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,353. New graduates entering the Sheboygan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sheboygan 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 Sheboygan
New graduates in Sheboygan should focus on employers that are known for hiring entry-level occupational therapy assistants. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are prominent in recruiting newly licensed COTAs, while school districts also appeal to those looking for positions with a more flexible schedule, given their summer breaks. Outpatient clinics tend to prefer more experienced professionals, but they frequently offer training to new graduates in areas such as pediatric therapy or hand therapy. To enhance their starting pay in Wisconsin, new grads should strive to complete an ACOTE-accredited associate's degree, obtain the NBCOT credential, and secure a state license. With ongoing legislative changes, including the recent 15% Medicare Part B payment cut for OTA services, it's essential for COTAs entering the market to understand the economic challenges that could affect their earnings. Realistically, new professionals can expect their salaries to increase as they gain experience, but they must remain adaptable in the face of these changes.
More salary data for Sheboygan, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Sheboygan in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Sheboygan?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Sheboygan?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Sheboygan?
How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in Wisconsin?
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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 Sheboygan. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sheboygan is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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