Senior Occupational Therapist Salary in Superior, WI: $118,485 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapists working in Superior, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $118,485/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1122. Strip back Superior's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $126,858 in average-cost America. The 31% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists with significant experience in Superior, Wisconsin, possess remarkable earning potential, particularly for those at the top of their profession. In 2026, senior occupational therapists in the area can expect to command salaries that range widely, reaching a peak of $118,485 for the most experienced and highest-paid professionals. This top tier surpasses the median annual salary of $90,398, illustrating a substantial gap that reflects the experience premium tied to advanced roles within the field. Achieving these top occupational therapist salaries in Superior typically requires not only years of experience but also specialized training and credentials that elevate one's profile in a competitive market, such as board certifications or leadership roles.
About the Superior Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Superior
Experienced occupational therapists at the top of the pay scale in Superior earn between $105,852 and $118,485 per year (2026 est.). This $49,848 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Superior median of $90,398 sits 12.57% below the US median.
Top OT, OTR Salary Comparison
| Level | Superior | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $90,398 | $103,400 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,852 | $120,240 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $118,485 | $135,988 |
In Superior, experienced occupational therapists (P90) earn 31.07% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Occupational Therapist Pay in Superior
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI occupational therapists with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $90,398 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Superior employers.
Specialty Focus
Occupational Therapists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Superior command premium compensation, often reaching the $105,852–$118,485 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Superior metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced occupational therapists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured occupational therapists in Superior with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Occupational Therapists in Wisconsin who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Occupational Therapist Career & Wage Growth Path in Superior
Clinical Occupational Therapist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapist
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSuperior ranks #11 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner occupational therapist salary (90th percentile: $118,485).
Top 10% occupational therapist compensation in Superior ($118,485) is 4.35% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($113,549).
2019 BLS Actual
$105,853
2025 BLS Actual
$114,967
2026 Current Est.
$118,485
2019–2027 Growth
+15.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Superior (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $105,853 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,881 | Actual |
| 2021 | $107,901 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,927 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,937 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,115 | Actual |
| 2025 | $114,967 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $118,485 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $122,111 | Projected |
Top-earning occupational therapists (90th percentile) in Superior saw their compensation grow 8.6% from $105,853 in 2019 to $114,967 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.06% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $122,111 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Superior 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.
Maximizing Your Occupational Therapist Earnings in Superior
Compensation for senior occupational therapists in Superior varies significantly based on area of expertise and workplace setting. Specializations in hand therapy (CHT), pediatric therapy (BCP), gerontology (BCG), and mental health (BCMH) often lead to premium pay, enhancing the potential for higher incomes. The type of employer also plays a crucial role, with skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient hand therapy clinics generally offering different pay scales, reflecting variances in funding and patient care models. Pathways for career advancement, such as becoming a rehab director or entering academia, can further increase earning potential, especially coupled with advanced degrees from ACOTE-accredited programs. Additionally, salary does not encompass the full compensation picture—factors such as productivity guidelines, setting stability (e.g., hospital versus school), and specialty pay add layers to the overall remuneration for professional growth.
More salary data for Superior, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapists make in Superior in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapist pay in Superior?
What certifications boost occupational therapist salary in Superior?
Can experienced occupational therapists make six figures in Superior?
How much does occupational therapist salary increase over time in Superior?
Related Pages
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $114,967 for occupational therapists in the Superior metro area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Superior 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