Occupational Therapist Pay

Menomonee Falls vs Milwaukee: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapist salaries between Menomonee Falls, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Menomonee Falls, WI
$93,103
$44.76/hr
Milwaukee, WI
$96,897
$46.58/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMenomonee Falls, WIMilwaukee, WI
Median Salary$93,103$96,897
Hourly Rate$44.76$46.58
Entry Level (P10)$67,153$78,140
25th Percentile$76,267$82,726
75th Percentile$106,766$105,451
Top Earner (P90)$115,038$114,561
Total Employed101,220
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Menomonee Falls ($93,103) and Milwaukee ($96,897) occupational therapist salaries.Menomonee FallsMilwaukeeMedian Salary$93,103$96,897Entry Level (P10)$67,153$78,140Top Earner (P90)$115,038$114,561US Median $103,400

Verdict

Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Menomonee Falls.

The salary gap between Menomonee Falls and Milwaukee is $3,794 (4.08%). Milwaukee's median is -6.29% compared to the US national median of $103,400.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Menomonee Falls spans $47,885,Milwaukee spans $36,421. Menomonee Falls has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Menomonee Falls
P10 (Entry)$67,153
P25$76,267
Median$93,103
P75$106,766
P90 (Top)$115,038
Milwaukee
P10 (Entry)$78,140
P25$82,726
Median$96,897
P75$105,451
P90 (Top)$114,561

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($99,959 effective) pays 0.28% more than Menomonee Falls ($99,682 effective).

Menomonee Falls
Nominal: $93,103
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $99,682
Milwaukee
Nominal: $96,897
CoL Index: 96.937
Adjusted: $99,959

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Menomonee Falls if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($115,038)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Milwaukee if…

  • Higher median salary ($96,897/year)
  • Larger job market (1,220 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,959)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Menomonee Falls grew 14.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.0% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.

Menomonee Falls, WI

+14.1%

$79,158 (2024) → $90,339 (2025)

Milwaukee, WI

+18.0%

$79,710 (2019) → $94,020 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Menomonee Falls or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $96,897/year, compared to Menomonee Falls at $93,103/year — a difference of $3,794 (4.08%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Menomonee Falls and Milwaukee?

Menomonee Falls occupational therapists earn $44.76/hr while Milwaukee hygienists earn $46.58/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Menomonee Falls to Milwaukee as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Menomonee Falls and Milwaukee. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Menomonee Falls = $99,682, Milwaukee = $99,959), job availability (10 vs 1,220 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Menomonee Falls vs Milwaukee?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $67,153 in Menomonee Falls and $78,140 in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JM

Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Chen, OTR/LData verified by Luis Garcia, OTR/L

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov