Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in River Falls, WI: $56,058 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in River Falls, WI earns a median $56,058/year (≈ $26.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in River Falls's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $60,019 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.8% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $56,058 for occupational therapy assistants in River Falls, WI, those considering careers in this field should be aware of the local income landscape. The salary range spans from $40,536 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $67,100 at the higher end (90th percentile), reflecting variations in experience, setting, and employer. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, highlight the income potential in this area, which is notably lower than the national median of $74,332. For those pursuing advanced education along pathways like the COTA-to-MOT bridge, their potential for long-term earnings is bolstered, ultimately expanding opportunities in a market that is expected to grow at an annual rate of 2.81%.
About the River Falls Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,536 | $19.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,714 | $23.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,058 | $26.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,778 | $29.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67,100 | $32.26 |
Median Salary Position
24.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in River Falls
In River Falls, WI, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,564 (2026 est.). At $56,058, the local median is 24.58% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in River Falls: You'd be above the median
How River Falls Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
River Falls median: $56,058/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | River Falls Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $59,510 | -5.80% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -24.58% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in River Falls, WI earn a median of $56,058 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.58% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.80% below the Wisconsin state average of $59,510.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
River Falls 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.
River Falls, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $56,058 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,019 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,389
2025 BLS Actual
$54,526
2026 Current Est.
$56,058
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in River Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,389 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,467 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,554 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,455 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,536 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,327 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,526 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,058 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,633 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the River Falls metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $46,389 (2019) to $54,526 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,633 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,244 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the River Falls 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) | $40,536 – $49,714 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,714 – $56,058 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,058 – $60,778 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,778 – $67,100 |
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 River Falls
While River Falls employs just five occupational therapy assistants currently, the local job market demonstrates a moderate level of competition. The cost of living in this city, with an index of 93.4, indicates that salaries stretch further here than in many other regions. For optimal compensation, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation services tend to offer higher pay compared to outpatient clinics or school district contracts. Factors influencing salary variation include productivity expectations, the impact of the 15% Medicare cut on reimbursement rates, and the contrast between year-round and school-year contracts. To maximize their earning potential, occupational therapy assistants in River Falls should consider seeking positions with higher compensation packages, negotiating for weekend or PRN premiums, and exploring full-time opportunities that align with their long-term career goals.
More salary data for River Falls, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in River Falls, WI in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in River Falls?
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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 $54,526 for occupational therapy assistantsin the River Falls 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 River Falls 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