Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Marshfield, WI: $65,673 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Marshfield, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,673 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Marshfield's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,314 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($89,463) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of occupational therapy in Marshfield, Wisconsin can expect starting salaries around $65,673, as evidenced by the lower end of the salary spectrum for entry-level positions. This figure represents a significant gap compared to the city’s median annual salary of $89,463, indicating that new grads may need to navigate a few years of experience to reach the median level. Over the first three to five years, OTs in Marshfield may see a growth trajectory that leads them from the entry-level pay up to about $73,498 at the 25th percentile. This upward trend suggests that while initial compensation may not match the national average, which stands at $103,400, Marshfield is still establishing itself as a feasible market for new occupational therapy graduates seeking opportunities.
About the Marshfield Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Marshfield
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marshfield
Entry-level occupational therapists in Marshfield, WI typically start between $65,673 and $73,498 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,418 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $89,463 — 13.48% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Wisconsin of $95,000 represents just 144.66% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($65,673/year) in Marshfield. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Master's and Doctoral occupational therapy programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institution programs; MOT programs typically run 2-3 years post-bachelor's.
OT, OTR Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Marshfield
- 1Research the Marshfield market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $65,673 to $73,498, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Marshfield, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Marshfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Marshfield's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapist Compensation Range
The occupational therapist wage spread in Marshfield is $48,418 ( 73.73%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,673, experienced hygienists can earn up to $114,091.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,488
2025 BLS Actual
$63,723
2026 Current Est.
$65,673
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Marshfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,488 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,959 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,937 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,283 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,963 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,221 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,723 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,673 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,683 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Marshfield, WI grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,488 in 2019 to $63,723 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,683. New graduates entering the Marshfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marshfield 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 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Marshfield
Employers in the Marshfield area offer a variety of pathways for early-career occupational therapists. Local hospital systems often provide residency programs that not only support recent graduates but also lead to specialty certifications, paving the way for higher earning potential over time. School districts frequently hire new grads with the appeal of summer-off contracts, while skilled nursing facilities aggressively recruit entry-level therapists. For enhanced pay prospects, obtaining a Master’s (MOT) or Doctorate (OTD) from an ACOTE-accredited program, along with passing the NBCOT national exam and acquiring a state license, is essential. Optional board certifications such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) can significantly elevate starting pay, especially as ACOTE anticipates a shift to mandating the entry-level OTD by 2027. Most importantly, those starting their careers should maintain realistic salary growth expectations. In the first few years, new OTs in Marshfield can anticipate steady increases as they gain experience, with continued professional development being a key factor in reaching higher salary tiers.
More salary data for Marshfield, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Marshfield in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Marshfield?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Marshfield?
What do new occupational therapists make right out of school in Marshfield?
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Marshfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Marshfield 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 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov