Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Pewaukee, WI: $43.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Pewaukee, WI runs $43.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,018 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Pewaukee's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,007 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, earn a median hourly rate of $43.27, which is notably below the national hourly median of $49.71. This discrepancy indicates that while the demand for OTs continues to grow, and the average salary remains competitive locally, there are geographical variances that affect earning potential. For those in part-time positions—working three days a week—this translates to approximately $22,000 annually, which can make a considerable difference in the financial sustainability of an OT career. Alternatively, per-diem work settings such as hospital rehab units and outpatient therapy clinics can offer different compensation structures; entry-level therapists may start at $32.23 per hour, while top earners can approach $51.53 per hour as they gain experience and specialized credentials. Given the estimated hourly rates reflect annual salary data, OTs should be strategic in selecting roles that align with their financial and professional goals.
About the Pewaukee 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) | $32.23 | $257.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.89 | $287.08 |
| Median (P50) | $43.27 | $346.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.80 | $390.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.53 | $412.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pewaukee
Based on $43.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.27/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pewaukee, WI can expect to earn approximately $90,012 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,930. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pewaukee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pewaukee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,731.00 | $7,501 | $90,012 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,038.60 | $4,501 | $54,007 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $692.40 | $3,000 | $36,005 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Pewaukee) | $43.27 |
| 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 Pewaukee, WI earn a median of $90,018 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.94% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.70% below the Wisconsin state average of $94,457.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.27/hr = $54,007/year (purchasing power: $57,823).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,012/year (purchasing power: $96,372).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Pewaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Pewaukee grew 18.1% from $35.55/hr (2019) to $41.99/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.60/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 Pewaukee 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 Pewaukee
When considering work arrangements like part-time or per-diem roles, it's essential to understand the earning dynamics in Pewaukee. A full-time occupational therapist could expect to earn significantly more than their part-time counterparts, as those working 24 hours a week would not receive benefits typically afforded by full-time positions. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Pewaukee often ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, offering lucrative possibilities for OTs seeking flexible schedules. Furthermore, hand therapists with a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential can command rates as high as $80 to $110 per hour, noticeably elevating their earning potential, particularly in cash-pay practices. When weighing options, some therapists may accept lower hourly rates with health benefits over higher pay without benefits due to the financial security they provide. In wage negotiations, therapists should be aware of these dynamics and use them to advocate for their worth in various settings—from skilled nursing facilities to school district contracts—while also considering the overall work-life balance that different positions offer.
More salary data for Pewaukee, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Pewaukee in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Pewaukee?
Are occupational therapists in Pewaukee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Pewaukee?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Pewaukee?
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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 Pewaukee. 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 Pewaukee 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