Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in New Berlin, WI: $28.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in New Berlin, WI runs $28.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,299 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against New Berlin's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,976 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New Berlin, Wisconsin, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $28.03, representing a significant gap when contrasted with the national median of $35.74. This difference can impact part-time or per diem occupational therapy assistants who often work in settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, schools, and outpatient clinics. With an hourly range from $19.88 for entry-level positions to $35.05 for top earners, professionals in this area have the flexibility to structure their work around their personal schedules. The hourly figures are derived from annual salary projections and highlight the opportunities for those considering positions in various therapeutic environments throughout New Berlin.
About the New Berlin 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) | $19.88 | $159.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.74 | $197.89 |
| Median (P50) | $28.03 | $224.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.48 | $235.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.05 | $280.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Berlin
Based on $28.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.03/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Berlin, WI can expect to earn approximately $58,294 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,631. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Berlin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Berlin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,121.04 | $4,858 | $58,294 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $672.62 | $2,915 | $34,976 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $448.42 | $1,943 | $23,318 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (New Berlin) | $28.03 |
| 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 New Berlin, WI earn a median of $58,299 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.57% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.00% below the Wisconsin state average of $59,489.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.03/hr = $34,976/year (purchasing power: $37,448).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,294/year (purchasing power: $62,413).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in New Berlin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in New Berlin grew 17.5% from $23.19/hr (2019) to $27.26/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.81/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 New Berlin 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 New Berlin
For those working part-time—say three days a week—earning potential can be quite different from full-time work. A typical schedule of 24 hours could yield a substantial annual income, but it's essential to remember the variability of pay rates, especially for per diem positions, which generally command between $30 and $45 per hour. Furthermore, without a consistent contract, those filling per diem roles might face fluctuations in income depending on demand. Contracts at travel agencies can net a range of $1,100 to $1,700 weekly, reflecting a competitive landscape in New Berlin. Occupational therapy assistants should also consider how pay varies among employers: skilled nursing facilities often pay less, while home health agencies and outpatient clinics might offer better rates or benefits. Some may opt for lower hourly wages for the advantage of receiving health insurance, particularly in light of the 15% Medicare Part B cut in 2022, which has affected reimbursements in multiple settings. When negotiating rates, aspiring occupational therapy assistants should highlight their qualifications, stay aware of local pay standards, and clearly communicate their value to prospective employers.
More salary data for New Berlin, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in New Berlin in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in New Berlin?
Are occupational therapy assistants in New Berlin paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in New Berlin?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in New Berlin?
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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 New Berlin. 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 New Berlin 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