Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Wauwatosa, WI: $43.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Wauwatosa, WI runs $43.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,562 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Wauwatosa's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,737 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, will see a projected median hourly pay of $43.06 in 2026, which is below the national median of $49.71. This hourly wage can significantly affect those looking at part-time opportunities or per-diem work. For instance, an occupational therapist working three days a week might earn around $1,037 weekly, making it a viable option for individuals balancing multiple commitments. Entry-level therapists can expect to earn around $32.04 per hour, while experienced practitioners may command rates as high as $55.57, reflecting the profession's range of settings, including hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. Keep in mind that these hourly rates are derived from estimated annual salary data, providing a valuable benchmark for those entering or shifting within the occupational therapy field.
About the Wauwatosa 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) | $32.04 | $256.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.86 | $286.92 |
| Median (P50) | $43.06 | $344.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.03 | $400.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.57 | $444.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wauwatosa
Based on $43.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.06/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wauwatosa, WI can expect to earn approximately $89,562 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,670. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wauwatosa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wauwatosa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,722.34 | $7,463 | $89,562 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,033.40 | $4,478 | $53,737 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $688.94 | $2,985 | $35,825 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Wauwatosa) | $43.06 |
| 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 Wauwatosa, WI earn a median of $89,562 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.38% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 5.20% below the Wisconsin state average of $94,475.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.06/hr = $53,737/year (purchasing power: $57,534).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,562/year (purchasing power: $95,890).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Wauwatosa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Wauwatosa grew 18.1% from $35.38/hr (2019) to $41.78/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.38/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 Wauwatosa 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 Wauwatosa
Analyzing the earning landscape for part-time and per-diem occupational therapists in Wauwatosa reveals a diverse array of financial opportunities. A part-time occupational therapist working 24 hours a week can anticipate an annual take-home of approximately $53,763, which showcases an appealing alternative to full-time work. Per-diem therapists often have a broader earning potential, typically billing $50-$75 per hour, and certified hand therapists (CHT) can reach rates of $80-$110 per hour in cash-pay settings. Additionally, travel contracts range from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, making them an attractive option for those willing to relocate temporarily. Hourly pay rates can vary significantly across employer types, with skilled nursing facilities and outpatient therapy clinics often offering different compensation structures. Some occupational therapists may accept lower hourly wages for the associated health benefits, while others pursue higher-paying positions that don't include benefits. When negotiating hourly pay in Wauwatosa, knowing industry benchmarks and demonstrating specific expertise can be advantageous, particularly for those with CHT credentials or additional education.
More salary data for Wauwatosa, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Wauwatosa in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Wauwatosa?
Are occupational therapists in Wauwatosa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Wauwatosa?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Wauwatosa?
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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 Wauwatosa. 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 Wauwatosa 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