Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Whitewater, WI: $27.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Whitewater, WI runs $27.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,447 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Whitewater's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,873 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Whitewater, Wisconsin, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $27.14. This figure falls notably short of the national hourly median of $35.74, reflecting regional economic conditions. For those seeking part-time opportunities, such as working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to approximately $1,572 for a 24-hour work schedule. Per-diem workers in settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and outpatient clinics can expect similar pay, though actual rates may vary significantly. Hourly rates in Whitewater can range from $19.95 for entry-level positions to $32.78 for seasoned professionals, encompassing diverse therapeutic environments such as home health visits and school therapy rooms. These estimates are derived from annual salary projections, emphasizing the local labor market's characteristics.
About the Whitewater 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) | $19.95 | $159.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.24 | $185.88 |
| Median (P50) | $27.14 | $217.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.11 | $224.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.78 | $262.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Whitewater
Based on $27.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.14/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Whitewater, WI can expect to earn approximately $56,455 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,570. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Whitewater.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Whitewater
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,085.67 | $4,705 | $56,455 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $651.40 | $2,823 | $33,873 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $434.27 | $1,882 | $22,582 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Whitewater) | $27.14 |
| 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 Whitewater, WI earn a median of $56,447 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.06% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.10% below the Wisconsin state average of $59,480.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.14/hr = $33,873/year (purchasing power: $36,267).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,455/year (purchasing power: $60,444).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Whitewater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Whitewater grew 17.5% from $22.46/hr (2019) to $26.40/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.90/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 Whitewater 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 Whitewater
For a part-time occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week, annual earnings can be considerably lower than those of their full-time counterparts, impacting disposable income and benefits. While full-time practitioners can secure health insurance and other perks, part-time and per-diem roles offer flexibility but come with a trade-off in job security and benefits. For instance, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Whitewater averages between $30 and $45 per hour, making it appealing for those who prefer not to commit to a full-time schedule. However, economic factors, such as the 15% Medicare cut for OTA services implemented in 2022, have compelled some facilities to reduce financing for therapy roles, influencing shift and hourly wage offers. Occupational therapy assistants in this area may also face different pay scales depending on employer types, with skilled nursing facilities often paying less than hospital rehab units or private clinics. When negotiating terms, emphasizing experience and flexibility can sometimes yield better rates, especially in an evolving healthcare climate where demand can fluctuate significantly.
More salary data for Whitewater, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Whitewater in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Whitewater?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Whitewater paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Whitewater?
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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 Whitewater. 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 Whitewater 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