Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Stevens Point, WI: $43,877 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Stevens Point, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,877 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Stevens Point's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,978 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($57,256) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of occupational therapy in Stevens Point, WI, the anticipated starting occupational therapy assistant salary is around $43,877, which is a crucial benchmark for early-career professionals. This figure represents the lowest 10% of earnings in the area, highlighting that most entry-level positions may initially offer salaries below the city median of $57,256. However, there's potential for growth: as new COTAs gain experience, their income could rise to approximately $50,543 within their first few years, making the trajectory promising for those willing to invest time in skill development. With a growth rate of 2.81% annually, the market remains favorable for newcomers, allowing for competitive opportunities despite a slightly lower starting salary than the national median of $74,332.
About the Stevens Point Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Stevens Point
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 Stevens Point
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Stevens Point, WI typically start between $43,877 and $50,543 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,564 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $57,256 — 22.97% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Wisconsin of $20,000 represents just 45.58% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($43,877/year) in Stevens Point. 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 Stevens Point
- 1Research the Stevens Point market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $43,877 to $50,543, 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 Stevens Point, 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 Stevens Point for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Stevens Point'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 Stevens Point is $25,564 ( 58.26%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,877, experienced hygienists can earn up to $69,441.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,588
2025 BLS Actual
$42,678
2026 Current Est.
$43,877
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Stevens Point (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,588 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,790 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,799 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,736 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,341 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,434 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,678 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,877 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,110 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Stevens Point, WI grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,588 in 2019 to $42,678 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,110. New graduates entering the Stevens Point job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stevens Point 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 Stevens Point
In Stevens Point, various employers are actively looking for new grad occupational therapy assistants, particularly skilled nursing facilities (SNF), which often hire recent graduates for rehabilitation roles. School districts can offer a more predictable schedule with summer breaks, appealing to those looking for work-life balance. Outpatient clinics may prefer experienced COTAs but can provide training for new hires in specialized areas such as pediatric or hand therapy. To bolster starting pay, credentials such as an associate’s degree from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, passing the NBCOT national exam for COTAs, and obtaining a state OTA license are essential. First-year COTAs should also be mindful of the industry's context, especially considering the impact of the 15% Medicare Part B cuts on service billing that began in 2022. As the demand for OT services continues to evolve, newly credentialed professionals can expect gradual salary growth over the first few years by enhancing their skills and seeking certifications in advanced practice areas through organizations like the AOTA.
More salary data for Stevens Point, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Stevens Point in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Stevens Point?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Stevens Point?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Stevens Point?
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 Stevens Point. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Stevens Point 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