Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Waukesha, WI: $65,004 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Waukesha, WI earns a median $65,004/year (≈ $31.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Waukesha's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $69,597 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.3% above the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Waukesha, Wisconsin, can expect a median annual salary of $65,004 in 2026, reflecting the ongoing impact of Medicare reimbursement cuts on pay structures within different healthcare settings. The salary range for the profession varies significantly, with the bottom 10% earning approximately $45,242 and the top 90% making up to $77,594. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data show that Waukesha's occupational therapy assistant salary is roughly 12.55% lower than the national median of $74,332. The disparity in pay often hinges on whether a COTA is employed in skilled nursing facilities, schools, or hospitals, each of which presents different funding and reimbursement avenues in the wake of shifting healthcare policies.
About the Waukesha Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,242 | $21.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,207 | $26.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,004 | $31.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,583 | $33.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,594 | $37.31 |
Median Salary Position
12.55% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukesha
In Waukesha, WI, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,352 (2026 est.). At $65,004, the local median is 12.55% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Waukesha: You'd be above the median
How Waukesha Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Waukesha median: $65,004/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waukesha Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $59,473 | +9.30% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | -12.55% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Waukesha, WI earn a median of $65,004 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.55% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 9.30% above the Wisconsin state average of $59,473.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waukesha 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.
Waukesha, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $65,004 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,597 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,791
2025 BLS Actual
$63,227
2026 Current Est.
$65,004
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Waukesha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,791 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,042 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,983 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,187 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,601 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,924 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,227 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,004 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,830 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waukesha metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $53,791 (2019) to $63,227 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,830 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,039 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukesha 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) | $45,242 – $54,207 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,207 – $65,004 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,004 – $69,583 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,583 – $77,594 |
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 Waukesha
In Waukesha, the job market for occupational therapy assistants shows some resilience, with a reported 14 professionals currently employed. The area boasts a relatively low cost-of-living index of 93.4, which enhances the purchasing power of local salaries. Among the various employment settings, hospital-based roles tend to command the highest wages, especially compared to skilled nursing facilities, where the effects of the 15% Medicare cut are most pronounced. This wage disparity is also influenced by varying productivity expectations and whether a position is year-round or based on a school calendar. To maximize earning potential, occupational therapy assistants in Waukesha should consider leveraging their skills in higher-paying settings and exploring opportunities for contract work, which often come with premium rates, especially for weekend or PRN hours. Understanding these dynamics can significantly impact how much occupational therapy assistants make in Waukesha, WI.
More salary data for Waukesha, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Waukesha, WI in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Waukesha?
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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 $63,227 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Waukesha 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 Waukesha 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