Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Pewaukee, WI: $27.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Pewaukee, WI runs $27.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,684 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Pewaukee's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,014 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pewaukee, Wisconsin, the projected hourly rate for an occupational therapy assistant stands at $27.25 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $35.74 per hour. This discrepancy indicates a challenging financial backdrop for occupational therapy assistants in the area, particularly for part-time professionals who may work three days a week. The hourly pay can affect their overall income substantially, especially if they are working in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school environments, outpatient clinics, or conducting home health visits. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants might earn around $20.22 per hour, while top earners in Pewaukee can reach hourly rates of $30.57, illustrating a significant range in earning potential within this profession.
About the Pewaukee 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) | $20.22 | $161.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.47 | $187.77 |
| Median (P50) | $27.25 | $218.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.93 | $231.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.57 | $244.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pewaukee
Based on $27.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.25/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pewaukee, WI can expect to earn approximately $56,690 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,706. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pewaukee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pewaukee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,090.20 | $4,724 | $56,690 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $654.12 | $2,835 | $34,014 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $436.08 | $1,890 | $22,676 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Pewaukee) | $27.25 |
| 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 Pewaukee, WI earn a median of $56,684 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.74% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.70% below the Wisconsin state average of $59,480.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.25/hr = $34,014/year (purchasing power: $36,418).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,690/year (purchasing power: $60,696).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pewaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Pewaukee grew 17.5% from $22.55/hr (2019) to $26.51/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.02/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 Pewaukee 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 Pewaukee
Focusing on part-time earnings, a COTA working 24 hours a week in Pewaukee may take home roughly $42,587 annually, a stark contrast to full-time colleagues. For those interested in per diem work, the market reflects higher earnings, as per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Pewaukee can range from $30 to $45 per hour, although compensation may vary based on the employer. Travel contracts can further enhance financial prospects, with typical weekly pay reaching between $1,100 and $1,700. Various employers, including skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics, may offer differing hourly rates, necessitating a strategic approach. Some COTAs opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prefer higher pay without such perks. Negotiating tips for skilled practitioners in this segment include understanding market rates and being equipped to communicate the value they bring to potential employers, especially in light of the recent Medicare reimbursement cuts.
More salary data for Pewaukee, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Pewaukee in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Pewaukee?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Pewaukee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Pewaukee?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Pewaukee?
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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 Pewaukee. 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 Pewaukee 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