Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Middleton, WI: $42.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Middleton, WI runs $42.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,346 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Middleton's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,412 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Middleton, Wisconsin, occupational therapists earn a median hourly rate of $42.00, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.71. This difference highlights the unique local economic conditions and cost of living, with Middleton's cost of living index standing at 93.4, indicating a below-average living expense compared to the national average. For part-time therapists working three days a week, typically in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, or outpatient clinics, this hourly pay translates into a significant yet modest income for their hours logged. The hourly range extends from approximately $32.70 for entry-level positions to $53.11 for more experienced therapists, indicating substantial earning potential across the profession.
About the Middleton Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.70 | $261.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.85 | $286.84 |
| Median (P50) | $42.00 | $335.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.26 | $386.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.11 | $424.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Middleton
Based on $42.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.00/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Middleton, WI can expect to earn approximately $87,354 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,396. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Middleton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Middleton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,679.88 | $7,279 | $87,354 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,007.93 | $4,368 | $52,412 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $671.95 | $2,912 | $34,941 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Middleton) | $42.00 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Middleton, WI earn a median of $87,346 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.53% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 7.50% below the Wisconsin state average of $94,429.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.00/hr = $52,412/year (purchasing power: $56,116).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,354/year (purchasing power: $93,526).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Middleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Middleton grew 18.1% from $34.50/hr (2019) to $40.75/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.28/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Middleton 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapist in Middleton
Occupational therapists in Middleton can expect varied earning potential based on their employment structure. For a therapist working part-time, say for 24 hours weekly, the annual take-home could be around $52,416, compared to a full-time occupational therapist making approximately $87,346 annually. Many OTs also engage in per diem opportunities, where they might charge between $50 and $75 hourly, with highly specialized hand therapists with a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation often commanding $80 to $110 per hour. Travel contracts can offer lucrative weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. It's essential for therapists in Middleton to understand how workplace settings affect pay; those in skilled nursing facilities or home health agencies might see lower rates than counterparts in acute care or specialized outpatient settings. While some occupational therapists may accept lower hourly rates for stability and benefits, others may prioritize higher wages over health insurance offerings. As negotiations take place, it can be useful to research the local market and advocate effectively for a rate that reflects both experience and expertise, particularly given the evolving demands of the profession as entry-level qualifications transition toward the OTD.
More salary data for Middleton, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Middleton in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Middleton?
Are occupational therapists in Middleton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Middleton?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Middleton?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Middleton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Middleton 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