Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Stevens Point, WI: $69,901 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Stevens Point, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,901 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Stevens Point's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,840 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($90,926) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting occupational therapist salary in Stevens Point, Wisconsin is projected to be $69,901, which is significantly lower than the overall city median of $90,926. New graduates should be prepared for a gradual increase, with salary expectations potentially rising to $77,391 within the first few years of practice as experience accumulates. Though this market might not seem as lucrative when compared to the national median pay of $103,400, the cost of living index of 93.4 indicates that Stevens Point remains an affordable location for early-career professionals. The 3.06% annual growth rate suggests a promising trajectory for new graduates who successfully navigate the local job market and establish themselves in their new roles.
About the Stevens Point Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Stevens Point
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 Stevens Point
Entry-level occupational therapists in Stevens Point, WI typically start between $69,901 and $77,391 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,848 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $90,926 — 12.06% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Wisconsin of $95,000 represents just 135.91% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($69,901/year) in Stevens Point. 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 Stevens Point
- 1Research the Stevens Point market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $69,901 to $77,391, 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 Stevens Point, 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 Stevens Point for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Stevens Point'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 Stevens Point is $46,848 ( 67.02%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,901, experienced hygienists can earn up to $116,749.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,739
2025 BLS Actual
$67,826
2026 Current Est.
$69,901
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Stevens Point (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,739 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,240 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,409 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,907 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,695 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,856 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,826 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,901 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,040 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Stevens Point, WI grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,739 in 2019 to $67,826 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,040. New graduates entering the Stevens Point job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stevens Point 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 Stevens Point
Maintaining a competitive edge in the Stevens Point job market involves identifying key employers and pursuing additional credentials. Local hospitals often have residency programs, offering practices that support new grads and facilitate specialty certifications, while school districts typically hire new graduates on summer-off contracts, providing a stable employment option. Additionally, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are known to hire aggressively, though they may impose productivity pressures. Graduates should focus on obtaining the necessary licenses, including a Master's or Doctorate from an ACOTE-accredited program, passing the NBCOT exam, and considering optional board certifications like CHT for hand therapy, which can significantly boost starting pay. Realistic salary growth in the first few years can be expected, especially for those who actively pursue continuing education opportunities and develop specialized skills within the field. With the shift toward entry-level OTD requirements by 2027, staying informed and strategically advancing through certifications will be key to enhancing earning potential in this dynamic profession.
More salary data for Stevens Point, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Stevens Point in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Stevens Point?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Stevens Point?
What do new occupational therapists make right out of school in Stevens Point?
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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 Stevens Point. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Stevens Point 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