Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Sun Prairie, WI: $27.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Sun Prairie, WI runs $27.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,806 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Sun Prairie's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,681 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, earn a median hourly wage of $27.79, which reflects a significant gap when compared to the national median of $35.74. This disparity indicates that those working part-time, such as three days a week, may find their overall earnings less robust than their colleagues elsewhere. For per-diem workers operating in various environments like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, and during home health visits, the hourly structure allows for flexibility but may also limit consistent pay. The hourly earnings for entry-level positions generally start at $19.44, with experienced professionals potentially earning up to $34.22. These figures, derived from projected annual salary data for 2026, highlight not only the competitive landscape within Wisconsin but also the potential trajectory for advancement in this field.
About the Sun Prairie 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) | $19.44 | $155.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.86 | $198.88 |
| Median (P50) | $27.79 | $222.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.63 | $245.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.22 | $273.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sun Prairie
Based on $27.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.79/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sun Prairie, WI can expect to earn approximately $57,802 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,347. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sun Prairie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sun Prairie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,111.58 | $4,817 | $57,802 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $666.95 | $2,890 | $34,681 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $444.63 | $1,927 | $23,121 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Sun Prairie) | $27.79 |
| 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 Sun Prairie, WI earn a median of $57,806 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.23% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.80% below the Wisconsin state average of $59,471.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.79/hr = $34,681/year (purchasing power: $37,132).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,802/year (purchasing power: $61,887).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Sun Prairie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Sun Prairie grew 17.5% from $23.00/hr (2019) to $27.03/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.57/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 Sun Prairie 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 Sun Prairie
When considering earning potential, a part-time occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours per week in Sun Prairie could bring home approximately $41,395 annually, whereas full-time colleagues might see salaries closer to $57,806. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Sun Prairie ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, influenced by the type of facility and demand for services. Travel contracts often offer higher rates, typically between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly, although a recent decline in skilled nursing facility premium pay following reimbursement cuts may impact some earnings. Hourly rates vary considerably depending on the employer, with positions in school districts or early intervention programs sometimes providing lower wages but accompanied by valuable benefits like health insurance. Some occupational therapy assistants may opt for these roles despite lower pay to secure crucial benefits. Negotiating a higher hourly wage is essential; workers should highlight their certifications, experience, and the changing economic landscape shaped by recent Medicare cuts while discussing compensation with potential employers in Sun Prairie.
More salary data for Sun Prairie, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Sun Prairie in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Sun Prairie?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Sun Prairie paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Sun Prairie?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Sun Prairie?
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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 Sun Prairie. 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 Sun Prairie 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