Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Sheboygan, WI: $27.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Sheboygan, WI runs $27.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,850 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Sheboygan's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,104 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at an estimated $27.33, which is notably lower than the national median of $35.74. For those working part-time, such as in skilled nursing facilities or outpatient clinics for three days a week, this translates to a manageable income when combined with the flexibility of their schedules. The hourly income ranges from $19.80 to $32.85 depending on experience and specialty. Entry-level assistants may find themselves earning toward the lower end of this scale, while seasoned professionals can reach the higher rates as they build their experience in various therapy settings, including hospitals and home health visits. As a reflection of the skills and intensity of work involved, these hourly rates are derived from expected annual salaries, emphasizing the compensation structure tailored to those entering the field.
About the Sheboygan 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) | $19.80 | $158.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.29 | $186.29 |
| Median (P50) | $27.33 | $218.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.55 | $236.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.85 | $262.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sheboygan
Based on $27.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.33/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sheboygan, WI can expect to earn approximately $56,840 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,792. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sheboygan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sheboygan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,093.08 | $4,737 | $56,840 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $655.85 | $2,842 | $34,104 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $437.23 | $1,895 | $22,736 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Sheboygan) | $27.33 |
| 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 Sheboygan, WI earn a median of $56,850 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.52% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.40% below the Wisconsin state average of $59,466.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.33/hr = $34,104/year (purchasing power: $36,514).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,840/year (purchasing power: $60,856).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Sheboygan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Sheboygan grew 17.5% from $22.61/hr (2019) to $26.58/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.09/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 Sheboygan 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 Sheboygan
Multiple factors affect the earnings potential for part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants in Sheboygan. A therapist working a 24-hour week could realistically take home around $42,000 annually, while a full-time position generates a significantly higher income. The per diem or locum tenens market can be more lucrative, with many COTAs billing between $30 and $45 hourly, depending on demand and specific contracts; travel COTAs sometimes secure weekly contracts between $1,100 and $1,700. However, the landscape has shifted since the 15% Medicare cut initiated in 2022, impacting pay rates across various employer types. For instance, skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics may offer lower hourly rates but often include benefits like health insurance. Therefore, many COTAs face a trade-off: accepting a lower hourly rate with comprehensive benefits or pursuing higher hourly wages without them. For those looking to negotiate their rates, emphasizing specialized certifications or flexibility in scheduling can provide leverage in discussions.
More salary data for Sheboygan, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Sheboygan in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Sheboygan?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Sheboygan paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Sheboygan?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Sheboygan?
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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 Sheboygan. 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 Sheboygan 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