OT Assistant Salary

Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Fond du Lac, WI: $67,911 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapy assistants working in Fond du Lac, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $67,911/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2011. Strip back Fond du Lac's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $72,710 in average-cost America. The 20% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$67,911
Top 10% Earn
$32.65/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$61,161
75th Percentile
$67,911
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Occupational Therapy Assistant Senior Salary in Fond du Lac, WI — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Fond du Lac, WI occupational therapy assistant senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Fond du Lac, WI, senior occupational therapy assistants can expect competitive compensation, with a projected median annual salary of $56,720 in 2026. Top-tier earners in this market, represented by the 90th percentile, can achieve salaries as high as $67,911, which reflects the substantial experience premium for those with over seven years in the field. This disparity between the median and the top earners highlights the potential for seasoned professionals to significantly increase their earning power. To reach these coveted salary levels, individuals often pursue advanced certifications, further specialize in high-demand areas, or assume leadership roles, ensuring they maximize their value within their organizations.

About the Fond du Lac Market

Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fond du Lac

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for occupational therapy assistants in Fond du Lac. The median salary is $56,720, compared to the national median of $74,332.$38.1K$48.1K$58.1K$68.1K$78.0K$42.4K10th Pctl$49.4K25th Pctl$56.7KMedian$61.2K75th Pctl$67.9K90th PctlUS Median$74.3K

Experienced occupational therapy assistants at the top of the pay scale in Fond du Lac earn between $61,161 and $67,911 per year (2026 est.). This $25,552 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Fond du Lac median of $56,720 sits 23.69% below the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of occupational therapy assistant pay in the Fond du Lac metro area.

Top OTA Salary Comparison

LevelFond du LacNational
Median (P50)$56,720$74,332
75th Percentile$61,161$81,384
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$67,911$92,303

In Fond du Lac, experienced occupational therapy assistants (P90) earn 19.73% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Fond du Lac

1

Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin

WI occupational therapy assistants with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $56,720 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Fond du Lac employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Occupational Therapy Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Fond du Lac command premium compensation, often reaching the $61,161–$67,911 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Fond du Lac metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced occupational therapy assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured occupational therapy assistants in Fond du Lac with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Occupational Therapy Assistants in Wisconsin who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Fond du Lac

Clinical Occupational Therapy Assistant

0-5 years
$42,359 – $56,720

Senior/Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant

5-10 years
$56,720 – $61,161

Occupational Therapy Assistant Department Manager

10+ years
$61,161+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Fond du Lac ranks #33 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner occupational therapy assistant salary (90th percentile: $67,911).

Top 10% occupational therapy assistant compensation in Fond du Lac ($67,911) is 8.37% below the Wisconsin average P90 ($74,114).

2019 BLS Actual

$60,485

2025 BLS Actual

$66,055

2026 Current Est.

$67,911

2019–2027 Growth

+15.4%

Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fond du Lac (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for occupational therapy assistants in Fond du Lac. Baseline $60,485 in 2025, projected to $69,819 by 2027.$56.8K$60.6K$64.5K$68.3K$72.1K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$60.5K$61.9K$59.0K$63.0K$65.7K$69.9K$66.1K$67.9K$69.8K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$60,485Actual
2020$61,869Actual
2021$59,014Actual
2022$62,965Actual
2023$65,650Actual
2024$69,909Actual
2025$66,055Actual
2026(current)$67,911Estimated
2027$69,819Projected

Top-earning occupational therapy assistants (90th percentile) in Fond du Lac saw their compensation grow 9.2% from $60,485 in 2019 to $66,055 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.81% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $69,819 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fond du Lac metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Maximizing Your Occupational Therapy Assistant Earnings in Fond du Lac

When analyzing salary compositions for senior occupational therapy assistants in Fond du Lac, various specializations emerge as critical factors influencing pay. Areas such as pediatric therapy, geriatrics, mental health, and hand therapy often offer higher compensation, as they require distinct skill sets and cater to specific patient populations. Furthermore, salary ranges can vary significantly depending on the type of employer; those working in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities typically earn more than those employed by outpatient clinics or school districts. Advancement opportunities for experienced practitioners include roles like lead OTA or educational positions, which offer pathways not only for increased pay but also for professional development. Obtaining advanced credentials from recognized bodies, such as the NBCOT or areas certified by AOTA, can augment potential earnings, especially in light of the ongoing challenges posed by the 15% Medicare reimbursement reduction affecting many service settings. Balancing salary with non-monetary benefits, such as flexible scheduling or contract length, further influences senior occupational therapy assistant pay in WI.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced occupational therapy assistants make in Fond du Lac in 2026?

Top-earning occupational therapy assistants in Fond du Lac (90th percentile) make $67,911/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.81% annual growth). This is $11,191 more than the area median of $56,720 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior occupational therapy assistants typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher occupational therapy assistant pay in Fond du Lac?

Higher occupational therapy assistant pay in Fond du Lac is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost occupational therapy assistant salary in Fond du Lac?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for occupational therapy assistants in Fond du Lac include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $56,720, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced occupational therapy assistants make six figures in Fond du Lac?

The 90th percentile in Fond du Lac is $67,911. Reaching six figures in this market may require combining clinical work at multiple practices with additional income from education, consulting, product sales, or relocating to a higher-paying metro area. Advanced certifications and specializations can help close the gap.

How much does occupational therapy assistant salary increase over time in Fond du Lac?

In Fond du Lac, the gap between entry level ($42,359) and top earners ($67,911) is $25,552, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Wisconsin

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, COTA/LData verified by Samuel Chen, OTR/L

Methodology & Data Source

Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $66,055 for occupational therapy assistants in the Fond du Lac metro area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Fond du Lac is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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