Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Middleton, WI: $26.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Middleton, WI runs $26.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,002 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Middleton's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,001 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Middleton, Wisconsin, occupational therapy assistants earn a median hourly rate of $26.44, which is considerably lower than the national median of $35.74. This rate impacts those working part-time, such as therapists on a three-day workweek, who can expect to take home just over $42,000 annually based on a typical schedule of 24 hours a week. The hourly pay for a COTA varies significantly, ranging from $20.52 at the entry level to about $31.62 for top earners in the area. This variability reflects the different practice settings, from skilled nursing facilities to outpatient clinics, where occupational therapy assistants often work, and suggests that per-diem opportunities may offer different pay scales depending on demand and funding.
About the Middleton 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) | $20.52 | $164.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.43 | $187.44 |
| Median (P50) | $26.44 | $211.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.65 | $229.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.62 | $252.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Middleton
Based on $26.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.44/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Middleton, WI can expect to earn approximately $55,001 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,731. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Middleton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Middleton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,057.71 | $4,583 | $55,001 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $634.63 | $2,750 | $33,001 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $423.08 | $1,833 | $22,000 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Middleton) | $26.44 |
| 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 Middleton, WI earn a median of $55,002 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.00% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.50% below the Wisconsin state average of $59,462.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.44/hr = $33,001/year (purchasing power: $35,332).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,001/year (purchasing power: $58,887).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Middleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Middleton grew 17.5% from $21.88/hr (2019) to $25.72/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.19/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 Middleton 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 Middleton
For those considering part-time or per-diem opportunities, the earning potential can diverge sharply. A COTA working three days a week, while drawing a steady hourly wage, may earn significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem occupational therapy assistants in Middleton may also earn higher rates, with billing closer to $30-$45 per hour, making it a viable alternative for those pursuing flexible schedules. Additionally, travel contracts can provide compensation between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly, although premium pay for agency COTAs has seen a decline after the 15% Medicare cut in 2022. The hourly rates vary across employer types; those working in skilled nursing facilities may earn less compared to outpatient settings. This trade-off highlights the benefits and compensation packages some facilities offer, prompting COTAs to balance hourly rates against the security of health insurance benefits in their negotiations. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for every occupational therapy assistant looking to maximize their potential in Middleton.
More salary data for Middleton, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Middleton in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Middleton?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Middleton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Middleton?
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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 Middleton. 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 Middleton 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