Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Manitowoc, WI: $56,896 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Manitowoc, WI earns a median $56,896/year (≈ $27.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Manitowoc's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $60,916 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.4% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manitowoc, WI, the projected occupational therapy assistant salary stands at $56,896 for 2026, reflecting local adjustments based on state-level data and regional price indices. This median falls significantly short of the national median salary for this role, which is $74,332, highlighting the economic disparities faced in different regions. Compensation ranges considerably, with the salaries spanning from $43,016 at the 10th percentile to $68,457 at the 90th percentile. This salary structure can be influenced by various factors, including the type of employment setting—whether it be skilled nursing facilities, schools, or hospitals—especially in a post-Medicare cut environment where reimbursement rates have been reduced.
About the Manitowoc Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,016 | $20.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,793 | $23.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,896 | $27.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,781 | $30.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,457 | $32.91 |
Median Salary Position
23.46% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manitowoc
In Manitowoc, WI, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,441 (2026 est.). At $56,896, the local median is 23.46% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Manitowoc: You'd be above the median
How Manitowoc Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Manitowoc median: $56,896/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manitowoc Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $59,515 | -4.40% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -23.46% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Manitowoc, WI earn a median of $56,896 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.46% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.40% below the Wisconsin state average of $59,515.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manitowoc has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manitowoc, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $56,896 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,916 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,082
2025 BLS Actual
$55,341
2026 Current Est.
$56,896
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Manitowoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,082 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,177 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,250 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,179 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,292 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,169 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,341 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,896 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,495 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manitowoc metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $47,082 (2019) to $55,341 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,495 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,413 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manitowoc 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $43,016 – $49,793 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,793 – $56,896 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,896 – $62,781 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,781 – $68,457 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Manitowoc
The job market for occupational therapy assistants in Manitowoc is relatively small, with only nine professionals currently employed in this field, which means there may be limited opportunities for advancement. With a cost-of-living index of 93.4, it is crucial for workers to understand their purchasing power in this region. Skilled nursing facilities and hospitals often offer the highest wages, as these environments typically demand more intensive care and support. The pay disparity can be attributed to the pressures that arise from productivity expectations, level of reimbursements, and the shifts in Medicare regulations. For those navigating their career path, seeking employment during the school year, considering PRN opportunities, or pursuing a COTA-to-MOT bridge pathway could maximize their potential earnings in Manitowoc.
More salary data for Manitowoc, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Manitowoc, WI in 2026?
Is Manitowoc, WI a good place to work as a occupational therapy assistant?
Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Manitowoc?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Manitowoc?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in Manitowoc?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $55,341 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Manitowoc metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manitowoc 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