Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Kenosha, WI: $80,212 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapy assistants working in Kenosha, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $80,212/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2011. Strip back Kenosha's price premium (BEA RPP 101.1, 1% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $79,325 in average-cost America. The 28% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Senior occupational therapy assistants in Kenosha, Wisconsin, have impressive earning potential, particularly at the top end of the salary spectrum. In 2026, the top occupational therapy assistant salary in Kenosha is projected to reach $80,212, with a substantial portion of experienced professionals earning around $68,893 at the 75th percentile. This creates a noteworthy distinction between the median annual salary of $62,498 and the top-tier earnings, highlighting the experience premium available in this market. Reaching these advanced salary levels often requires a combination of specialized skills, reputation, and established networks, as well as accumulation of relevant experience that can significantly boost competitive advantage within the field.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kenosha
Experienced occupational therapy assistants at the top of the pay scale in Kenosha earn between $68,893 and $80,212 per year (2026 est.). This $32,940 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kenosha median of $62,498 sits 15.92% below the US median.
Top OTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Kenosha | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $62,498 | $74,332 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,893 | $81,384 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $80,212 | $92,303 |
In Kenosha, experienced occupational therapy assistants (P90) earn 28.34% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Kenosha
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI occupational therapy assistants with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $62,498 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kenosha employers.
Specialty Focus
Occupational Therapy Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Kenosha command premium compensation, often reaching the $68,893–$80,212 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kenosha metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced occupational therapy assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured occupational therapy assistants in Kenosha with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
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 Kenosha
Clinical Occupational Therapy Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapy Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKenosha ranks #1 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner occupational therapy assistant salary (90th percentile: $80,212).
Top 10% occupational therapy assistant compensation in Kenosha ($80,212) is 8.23% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($74,114).
2019 BLS Actual
$71,442
2025 BLS Actual
$78,020
2026 Current Est.
$80,212
2019–2027 Growth
+15.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Kenosha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,442 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,075 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,704 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,370 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,542 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,058 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,020 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,212 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,466 | Projected |
Top-earning occupational therapy assistants (90th percentile) in Kenosha saw their compensation grow 9.2% from $71,442 in 2019 to $78,020 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 $82,466 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenosha 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.
Maximizing Your Occupational Therapy Assistant Earnings in Kenosha
Compensation strategies for seasoned occupational therapy assistants in Kenosha increasingly depend on areas of specialization and the type of employer. Sought-after niches such as pediatric therapy, hand therapy support, geriatric care, and mental health services tend to command higher pay, especially in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics. Advanced credentials, such as the COTA designation from the NBCOT and state licensure, play a key role in elevating pay prospects. Additionally, there are various leadership opportunities within the profession, including roles like lead OTA or clinical educator, which can further enhance income. Non-salary benefits also contribute significantly to overall compensation, particularly in settings like hospitals compared to school systems, where year-round contracts may yield different financial routes. The 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for OTA-provided services introduced in 2022 continues to put pressure on pay rates in certain environments, making strategic career decisions even more critical for maximizing earnings in the Kenosha area.
More salary data for Kenosha, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapy assistants make in Kenosha in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapy assistant pay in Kenosha?
What certifications boost occupational therapy assistant salary in Kenosha?
Can experienced occupational therapy assistants make six figures in Kenosha?
How much does occupational therapy assistant salary increase over time in Kenosha?
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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
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 $78,020 for occupational therapy assistants in the Kenosha 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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