Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Superior, WI: $56,924 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Superior, WI earns a median $56,924/year (≈ $27.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Superior's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $60,946 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Superior, Wisconsin, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $56,924 in 2026, reflecting the realities of a job market shaped by post-Medicare cut dynamics. With salaries ranging from $43,082 at the 10th percentile to $70,557 at the 90th percentile, there are significant variations depending on the employed setting. The distribution of these wages is closely tied to where occupational therapy assistants work, primarily in skilled nursing facilities (SNF), schools, or hospitals. The impact of recent reimbursement changes, particularly the 15% Medicare Part B cut to OTA services, has contributed to a more competitive hiring landscape, particularly affecting pay in SNFs and outpatient clinics. Overall, superior demands in this sector necessitate consideration of specific environments to maximize earning potential.
About the Superior Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,082 | $20.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,851 | $23.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,924 | $27.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,845 | $30.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70,557 | $33.92 |
Median Salary Position
23.42% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Superior
In Superior, WI, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,475 (2026 est.). At $56,924, the local median is 23.42% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Superior: You'd be above the median
How Superior Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Superior median: $56,924/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Superior Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $59,482 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -23.42% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Superior, WI earn a median of $56,924 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.42% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $59,482.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Superior has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Superior, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $56,924 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,946 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,105
2025 BLS Actual
$55,368
2026 Current Est.
$56,924
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Superior (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,105 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,200 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,273 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,203 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,317 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,196 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,368 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,924 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,523 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Superior metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $47,105 (2019) to $55,368 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,523 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,418 (24.24%) from 2019.
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 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $43,082 – $49,851 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,851 – $56,924 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,924 – $62,845 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,845 – $70,557 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Superior
The local job market currently supports a modest group of seven occupational therapy assistants, which might seem limited but indicates a concentrated demand for COTAs in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 93.4, the purchasing power for these professionals is relatively favorable compared to national averages. Employers offering the highest compensation are typically associated with hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings, where the complexity and intensity of service delivery can drive higher pay rates. Factors contributing to the salary spread in Superior include varying productivity expectations, coverage for weekends, and the difference between school-year contracts versus year-round positions. For those looking to enhance their earnings in this market, seeking positions in hospital environments or negotiating for benefits such as bonuses can be effective strategies. Additionally, understanding the influence of the ongoing Medicare reimbursement cuts will be crucial for new COTAs entering the field.
More salary data for Superior, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $55,368 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Superior metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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 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