Occupational Therapist Salary in Wisconsin: $95,204 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Wisconsin's 46 metropolitan areas, the average median occupational therapist pay sits at $95,204/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1122. Because Wisconsin sits at BEA RPP 93.4 (7% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $101,931 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Madison ($95,670), Oshkosh ($95,420), Waukesha ($95,205).
In 2026, the average median salary for occupational therapists in Wisconsin is projected to be $95,204, which is approximately 7.9% lower than the national median of $103,400. The highest-paying city in the state is Madison, where salaries are expected to reach $98,598, while the lowest is Fond du Lac, with projected earnings of $81,819. The substantial $16,779 disparity between these cities can be attributed to factors such as cost of living, local demand for therapists, and the concentration of healthcare facilities in urban areas. Wisconsin’s occupational therapy landscape is shaped by state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that dictate the responsibilities and qualifications for therapists, influencing job opportunities. The state's healthcare system and an increasing emphasis on rehabilitation services contribute to a steady demand, projected to grow at an annual rate of 3.06%. Currently, there are 3,209 employed occupational therapists across the state. The top five projected cities for salaries include Oshkosh at $98,340, Waukesha at $98,118, Beloit at $97,872, and Janesville at $97,649, reflecting a strong job market for the profession in various regions of Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Occupational Therapist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Wisconsin: $63,801 (lowest entry-level) to $124,323 (highest top earner)
Wisconsin vs National Average
Wisconsin occupational therapists earn 7.93% less than the national median ($-8,196/year difference).
Wisconsin Occupational Therapist Salary Distribution (2026)
Occupational Therapist salaries in Wisconsin range from $75,678 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $113,549 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $95,204. The Wisconsin median is $8,196 below the US national median of $103,400. The average hourly rate is $45.77/hr. Approximately 3,209 occupational therapists are employed across 46 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$76,773
2025 BLS Actual
$92,377
2026 Current Est.
$95,204
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Wisconsin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,773 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,297 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,531 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,503 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,012 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,735 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,377 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,204 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,117 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wisconsin metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 20.3% from $76,773 (2019) to $92,377 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $98,117 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,344 (27.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wisconsin 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Wisconsin
Lowest Paying Cities in Wisconsin
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Fond du Lac | $81,819 |
| La Crosse | $85,086 |
| Onalaska | $86,226 |
| Wisconsin Rapids | $86,622 |
| Sheboygan | $87,106 |
Best Value Cities for Occupational Therapists in Wisconsin
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Wisconsin cities offer the most purchasing power for occupational therapists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oshkosh | $98,340 | 92.929 | $105,823 |
| Waukesha | $98,118 | 93.4 | $105,051 |
| Beloit | $97,872 | 93.4 | $104,788 |
| Janesville | $97,649 | 93.703 | $104,211 |
| Eau Claire | $95,444 | 92.796 | $102,854 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Wisconsin
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $75,678 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $95,204 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $113,549 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Wisconsin metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 46 Cities in Wisconsin
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Madison | $98,598 |
| 2 | Oshkosh | $98,340 |
| 3 | Waukesha | $98,118 |
| 4 | Beloit | $97,872 |
| 5 | Janesville | $97,649 |
| 6 | Milwaukee | $96,897 |
| 7 | Kenosha | $95,969 |
| 8 | Eau Claire | $95,444 |
| 9 | West Allis | $94,551 |
| 10 | Racine | $94,475 |
| 11 | Mount Pleasant | $94,335 |
| 12 | Fitchburg | $93,925 |
| 13 | Greenfield | $93,918 |
| 14 | Menomonee Falls | $93,103 |
| 15 | Appleton | $93,073 |
| 16 | Brookfield | $92,884 |
| 17 | West Bend | $92,832 |
| 18 | Wausau | $92,785 |
| 19 | De Pere | $92,759 |
| 20 | New Berlin | $92,583 |
| 21 | Sun Prairie | $91,799 |
| 22 | Caledonia | $91,549 |
| 23 | Green Bay | $91,445 |
| 24 | Muskego | $91,351 |
| 25 | Stevens Point | $90,926 |
| 26 | Franklin | $90,824 |
| 27 | Oak Creek | $90,537 |
| 28 | Superior | $90,398 |
| 29 | Manitowoc | $90,354 |
| 30 | Pewaukee | $90,018 |
| 31 | South Milwaukee | $89,755 |
| 32 | Pleasant Prairie | $89,741 |
| 33 | Menomonie | $89,649 |
| 34 | Whitewater | $89,642 |
| 35 | Wauwatosa | $89,562 |
| 36 | Germantown | $89,499 |
| 37 | Marshfield | $89,463 |
| 38 | River Falls | $89,023 |
| 39 | Mequon | $88,292 |
| 40 | Platteville | $88,284 |
| 41 | Middleton | $87,346 |
| 42 | Sheboygan | $87,106 |
| 43 | Wisconsin Rapids | $86,622 |
| 44 | Onalaska | $86,226 |
| 45 | La Crosse | $85,086 |
| 46 | Fond du Lac | $81,819 |
More Wisconsin Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore occupational therapist hourly pay in Wisconsin cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced occupational therapists.
Compare Cities in Wisconsin
View all comparisons →Explore More Occupational Therapist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Wisconsin in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for occupational therapists in Wisconsin?
How does Wisconsin occupational therapist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in Wisconsin?
How many occupational therapists are employed in Wisconsin?
Which Wisconsin city offers the best value for occupational therapists?
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
Statewide 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. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 occupational therapist compensation across Wisconsin. State averages are employment-weighted across 46 metro areas — larger metro areas with more occupational therapistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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