Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Wauwatosa, WI: $27.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Wauwatosa, WI runs $27.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,397 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Wauwatosa's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,835 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, the projected median hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant is $27.11, considerably lower than the national median of $35.74 per hour. This pay reflects the current market for COTAs practicing across various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school environments, outpatient clinics, and through home health visits. For those considering part-time positions, typically working three days a week, the projected hourly rate presents an opportunity to balance professional aspirations with personal commitments. The hourly range for this role stretches from $20.11 for entry-level positions to $33.06 for top earners, illustrating the breadth of earning potential within this profession in Wauwatosa.
About the Wauwatosa 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) | $20.11 | $160.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.44 | $187.53 |
| Median (P50) | $27.11 | $216.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.68 | $237.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.06 | $264.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wauwatosa
Based on $27.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.11/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wauwatosa, WI can expect to earn approximately $56,391 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,533. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wauwatosa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wauwatosa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,084.44 | $4,699 | $56,391 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $650.66 | $2,820 | $33,835 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $433.78 | $1,880 | $22,556 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Wauwatosa) | $27.11 |
| 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 Wauwatosa, WI earn a median of $56,397 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.13% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.20% below the Wisconsin state average of $59,491.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.11/hr = $33,835/year (purchasing power: $36,225).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,391/year (purchasing power: $60,376).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Wauwatosa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Wauwatosa grew 17.5% from $22.43/hr (2019) to $26.37/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.87/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 Wauwatosa 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 Wauwatosa
Earning potential varies widely based on employment type for occupational therapy assistants. A COTA working part-time at 24 hours per week can expect to take home approximately $33,740 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart. For per-diem occupational therapy assistants in Wauwatosa, the pay typically falls between $30 and $45 per hour, with travel contracts often offering robust weekly rates of $1,100 to $1,700. However, the recent 15% Medicare cut that took effect in 2022 has affected reimbursement rates for OTA services, particularly in skilled nursing facilities, leading to a compression in pay. Consequently, COTAs face decisions regarding hourly pay versus benefits, with many accepting lower rates to secure health insurance. In Wauwatosa, negotiating these aspects effectively requires a solid understanding of both local market rates and the distinct demands of different employer types, from outpatient clinics to school contracts.
More salary data for Wauwatosa, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Wauwatosa in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Wauwatosa?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Wauwatosa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Wauwatosa?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Wauwatosa?
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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 Wauwatosa. 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 Wauwatosa 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