Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Menomonie, WI: $27.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Menomonie, WI runs $27.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,452 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Menomonie's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,873 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Menomonie, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $27.14 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $35.74. This figure has implications for both full-time and part-time workers in local settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and school therapy rooms. For part-time employees working three days a week, this hourly wage translates to a substantial income while allowing flexibility in their schedules. Entry-level positions may start around $19.96 per hour, climbing to $31.22 for those in top earning brackets. These estimates, derived from annual salary projections, indicate that occupational therapy assistants in Menomonie can expect competitive rates despite being less than the national average, reflecting the area’s lower cost of living.
About the Menomonie 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) | $19.96 | $159.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.24 | $185.88 |
| Median (P50) | $27.14 | $217.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.64 | $229.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.22 | $249.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Menomonie
Based on $27.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.14/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Menomonie, WI can expect to earn approximately $56,455 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,570. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Menomonie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Menomonie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,085.67 | $4,705 | $56,455 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $651.40 | $2,823 | $33,873 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $434.27 | $1,882 | $22,582 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Menomonie) | $27.14 |
| 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 Menomonie, WI earn a median of $56,452 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.05% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.10% below the Wisconsin state average of $59,486.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.14/hr = $33,873/year (purchasing power: $36,267).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,455/year (purchasing power: $60,444).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Menomonie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Menomonie grew 17.5% from $22.46/hr (2019) to $26.40/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.90/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 Menomonie 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 Menomonie
For those considering part-time work, a typical occupational therapy assistant in Menomonie, clocking 24 hours a week, would take home significantly less annually than a full-time counterpart. Per diem occupational therapy assistants often see hourly pay ranging from $30 to $45, with travel contracts offering enticing weekly rates between $1,100 and $1,700. However, the post-2022 reimbursement landscape has led to a decline in premiums for agency COTAs in skilled nursing facilities. Compensation varies widely based on employer types, requiring careful consideration. Some COTAs opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiating effectively around these trade-offs is essential in Menomonie, as understanding the local dynamics can enhance earning potential and job satisfaction.
More salary data for Menomonie, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Menomonie in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Menomonie?
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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 Menomonie. 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 Menomonie 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