Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Madison, WI: $27.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Madison, WI runs $27.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,412 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Madison's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.3, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,847 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Madison, Wisconsin, the projected occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is notably $27.12, which is significantly lower than the national median of $35.74. This hourly rate can support a variety of work arrangements, from traditional full-time positions in skilled nursing facilities and hospital rehabilitation units to part-time and per-diem roles that allow for greater flexibility. For those working three days a week, this translates to approximately $2,380 monthly, enabling professionals to tailor their work-life balance while earning a competitive wage. The pay range for occupational therapy assistants in Madison runs from $23.51 for entry-level positions to $35.98 for those at the higher end of the salary spectrum, reflecting the varying levels of experience and expertise within this essential field.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.51 | $188.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.51 | $188.10 |
| Median (P50) | $27.12 | $216.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.42 | $251.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.98 | $287.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Madison
Based on $27.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.12/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Madison, WI can expect to earn approximately $56,412 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,546. With a cost-of-living index of 97.29 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Madison.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Madison
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,084.85 | $4,701 | $56,412 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $650.91 | $2,821 | $33,847 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $433.94 | $1,880 | $22,565 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Madison) | $27.12 |
| 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 Madison, WI earn a median of $56,412 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.11% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.20% below the Wisconsin state average of $59,506.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.12/hr = $33,847/year (purchasing power: $34,791).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,412/year (purchasing power: $57,985).
CoL index: 97.287 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+70.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Madison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Madison grew 61.6% from $16.32/hr (2019) to $26.38/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.88/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 Madison 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 Madison
Taking a closer look at the earning potential for part-time employment, COTAs working three days a week can expect to bring home about $28,560 annually, much less than their full-time counterparts. In contrast, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Madison typically falls between $30 and $45 per hour, often making this option attractive for those who prefer flexible schedules. However, some might choose lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, which can vary significantly between employers. The setting in which COTAs work can also influence earnings; for instance, rehabilitation hospitals may offer different pay structures compared to outpatient clinics or school districts. For those considering agency work, travel contracts can command between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly, though recent changes in reimbursement policies have created some downward pressure on agency pay. By being aware of these dynamics and leveraging negotiation skills, occupational therapy assistants in Madison can optimize their hourly earnings while navigating the complexities of the profession.
More salary data for Madison, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Madison in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Madison?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Madison paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Madison?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Madison?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 Madison. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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