Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Mequon, WI: $55,598 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Mequon, WI earns a median $55,598/year (≈ $26.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Mequon's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $59,527 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.5% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Mequon, Wisconsin, can expect a median annual salary of $55,598 in 2026, which reflects local economic conditions and the impact of various employer types on pay scales. The salary range for these professionals spans from $43,913 at the 10th percentile to $62,368 at the 90th percentile, allowing for some variation based on experience and specific job settings. As the job market evolves, particularly in the wake of Medicare cuts affecting reimbursement rates, the dynamics of occupational therapy assistant pay in Mequon diverge across different work environments. While skilled nursing facilities may offer lower compensation due to these cuts, positions in hospital inpatient rehabilitation and specialized outpatient clinics tend to yield higher salaries, revealing a complex landscape of earnings potential.
About the Mequon Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,913 | $21.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,993 | $24.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,598 | $26.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,691 | $27.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,368 | $29.98 |
Median Salary Position
25.2% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mequon
In Mequon, WI, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $18,455 (2026 est.). At $55,598, the local median is 25.2% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mequon: You'd be above the median
How Mequon Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Mequon median: $55,598/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mequon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $59,463 | -6.50% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -25.20% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mequon, WI earn a median of $55,598 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.20% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 6.50% below the Wisconsin state average of $59,463.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mequon 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.
Mequon, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $55,598 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,527 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,007
2025 BLS Actual
$54,078
2026 Current Est.
$55,598
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mequon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,007 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,077 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,172 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,057 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,121 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,864 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,078 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,598 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,160 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mequon metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $46,007 (2019) to $54,078 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,160 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,153 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mequon 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) | $43,913 – $49,993 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,993 – $55,598 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,598 – $57,691 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,691 – $62,368 |
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 Mequon
Examining the local job market reveals there are currently five occupational therapy assistants employed in Mequon, which can influence competition for positions. With a cost-of-living index of 93.4, purchasing power remains favorable for those entering this field, as salaries stretch further compared to national averages. Among local employers, hospital inpatient rehab facilities typically lead in compensation, paying more than school contracts or early intervention programs. Disparities in pay can largely be attributed to factors such as productivity expectations and the type of contracts available, especially in the wake of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut that has constrained earnings in certain settings. For those seeking to maximize their occupational therapy assistant pay in Mequon, pursuing opportunities in higher-paying environments, working weekends or PRN shifts, and considering year-round contracts could enhance earning potential while navigating this challenging job market.
More salary data for Mequon, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Mequon, WI in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Mequon?
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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 $54,078 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Mequon 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 Mequon 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