Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Fitchburg, WI: $28.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Fitchburg, WI runs $28.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,145 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Fitchburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,490 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fitchburg, Wisconsin, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $28.44 in 2026. This figure falls short of the national average, which stands at $35.74 per hour. For professionals working part-time—say, three days a week—this rate can still provide a reasonable income, depending on the specific hours worked and the setting, whether that's in skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, or home health visits. The hourly earnings for entry-level positions start at about $20.98, while experienced assistants at the top of the scale can earn up to $34.54 per hour. These rates serve as estimates derived from annual salary data and reflect the local market dynamics in Fitchburg, where the cost of living is slightly below the national average.
About the Fitchburg Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.98 | $167.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.50 | $196.00 |
| Median (P50) | $28.44 | $227.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.05 | $248.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.54 | $276.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fitchburg
Based on $28.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.44/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fitchburg, WI can expect to earn approximately $59,149 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,125. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fitchburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fitchburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,137.49 | $4,929 | $59,149 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $682.49 | $2,957 | $35,490 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $455.00 | $1,972 | $23,660 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Fitchburg) | $28.44 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fitchburg, WI earn a median of $59,145 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.43% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.60% below the Wisconsin state average of $59,502.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.44/hr = $35,490/year (purchasing power: $37,998).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,149/year (purchasing power: $63,329).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fitchburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Fitchburg grew 17.5% from $23.53/hr (2019) to $27.66/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.24/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fitchburg 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Fitchburg
For those considering part-time work, an occupational therapy assistant who works 24 hours a week earns significantly less than a full-time counterpart—roughly $35,000 annually compared to full-time colleagues. Per diem roles commonly offer $30 to $45 per hour, particularly attractive for those valuing flexibility over stability. However, conditions are changing; agency positions that once provided premium pay have been affected by the 15% Medicare cut, impacting earnings in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient environments. Hourly rates can vary substantially depending on the employer, with factors like health benefits influencing decisions. Some may opt for lower pay in exchange for insurance coverage, while others choose higher rates without benefits. Effective negotiation strategies, such as researching local averages and clearly communicating your value, can make a significant difference in securing favorable pay in Fitchburg’s evolving job market.
More salary data for Fitchburg, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Fitchburg in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Fitchburg?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Fitchburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Fitchburg?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Fitchburg?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Fitchburg. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fitchburg 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