Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Oak Creek, WI: $27.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Oak Creek, WI runs $27.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,011 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Oak Creek's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,207 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oak Creek, Wisconsin, occupational therapy assistants earn a median hourly rate of $27.41, which is significantly below the national median of $35.74. For part-time workers, clocking in around three days a week, this translates to a solid yet modest wage, making the profession accessible in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. The hourly range for entry-level professionals is approximately $20.81, while experienced occupational therapy assistants can reach as high as $34.05. Despite its limitations compared to the national average, this hourly pay provides a stable income that can accommodate those looking to balance work with other responsibilities, such as education or family care.
About the Oak Creek 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) | $20.81 | $166.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.06 | $192.46 |
| Median (P50) | $27.41 | $219.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.31 | $242.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.05 | $272.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oak Creek
Based on $27.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.41/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oak Creek, WI can expect to earn approximately $57,011 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,891. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oak Creek.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oak Creek
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,096.37 | $4,751 | $57,011 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $657.82 | $2,851 | $34,207 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $438.55 | $1,900 | $22,804 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Oak Creek) | $27.41 |
| 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 Oak Creek, WI earn a median of $57,011 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.30% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.20% below the Wisconsin state average of $59,511.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.41/hr = $34,207/year (purchasing power: $36,624).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,011/year (purchasing power: $61,040).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Oak Creek (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Oak Creek grew 17.5% from $22.68/hr (2019) to $26.66/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.18/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 Oak Creek 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 Oak Creek
Looking further into the compensation landscape for Oak Creek's occupational therapy assistants, those working part-time can expect to take home around $33,000 annually, a significant difference when compared to full-time earnings. For per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Oak Creek, hourly rates vary, with many billing between $30-$45 during agency work, although contract rates for traveling positions can shift to $1,100-$1,700 weekly, offering more lucrative options for those willing to move. Different employer settings can influence hourly rates, with skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies often providing varying compensation packages. Many COTAs face a decision between lower hourly rates with benefits and higher pay without health insurance. For those contemplating their earning potential, approaching negotiations with clarity on the financial implications of benefits versus salary is invaluable, particularly in light of recent Medicare policy changes impacting the field.
More salary data for Oak Creek, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Oak Creek in 2026?
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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 Oak Creek. 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 Oak Creek 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