Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Brookfield, WI: $28.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Brookfield, WI runs $28.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,489 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Brookfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,092 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists seeking work in Brookfield, WI, can expect an occupational therapy assistant hourly pay of $28.12, which falls significantly below the national median of $35.74. For those considering part-time or per-diem opportunities—typical in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and school therapy rooms—this rate translates to viable income potential. With entry-level positions starting at around $20.22 and experienced professionals earning up to $32.61, the hourly pay offers a range that is competitive within the local market. Although Brookfield's rates are reflective of the area's lower cost of living index at 93.4, the discrepancy compared to national figures may impact draw for new graduates or those transitioning from other roles.
About the Brookfield Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.22 | $161.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.93 | $199.45 |
| Median (P50) | $28.12 | $224.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.68 | $237.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.61 | $260.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brookfield
Based on $28.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.12/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brookfield, WI can expect to earn approximately $58,487 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,742. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Brookfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brookfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,124.74 | $4,874 | $58,487 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $674.84 | $2,924 | $35,092 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $449.90 | $1,950 | $23,395 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Brookfield) | $28.12 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Brookfield, WI earn a median of $58,489 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.31% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.70% below the Wisconsin state average of $59,500.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.12/hr = $35,092/year (purchasing power: $37,572).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,487/year (purchasing power: $62,619).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Brookfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Brookfield grew 17.5% from $23.27/hr (2019) to $27.35/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.91/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookfield 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 2.81% 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 Therapy Assistant in Brookfield
For those working three days a week, typically totaling 24 hours, the annual earnings for a Brookfield occupational therapy assistant can amount to approximately $52,949, which contrasts sharply with the earnings of full-time professionals. Moreover, agencies often provide per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Brookfield that can range from $30 to $45 per hour. However, the reimbursement cuts experienced in the wake of the 15% Medicare reduction may influence the premium pay options. It's important to recognize that hourly rates can differ widely across employer types. Skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies may offer variable compensation structures, which could necessitate negotiations based on benefits versus hourly wages. As there is a chance of accepting a lower hourly for a full benefits package, it’s advisable for COTAs in Brookfield to assess their priorities when considering job offers amidst this evolving reimbursement landscape.
More salary data for Brookfield, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Brookfield in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Brookfield?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Brookfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Brookfield?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Brookfield?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
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 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Brookfield. 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 Brookfield 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 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov