Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Caledonia, WI: $70,821 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapy assistants working in Caledonia, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $70,821/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2011. Strip back Caledonia's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $75,825 in average-cost America. The 23% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Caledonia, WI, presents a notable opportunity for experienced occupational therapy assistants aiming to reach the pinnacle of their profession, with competitive salaries for top earners. In 2026, the potential for earnings tops out at $70,821 for those at the 90th percentile, significantly highlighting the disparities in pay within the field. With a median annual salary of $57,649, the gap between median and top earners illustrates the substantial experience premium available in this market. Achieving this level of compensation generally requires extensive experience, advanced specializations, and strong networking within the healthcare community, emphasizing that those who invest in their career growth often reap considerable financial rewards over time.
About the Caledonia Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Caledonia
Experienced occupational therapy assistants at the top of the pay scale in Caledonia earn between $63,257 and $70,821 per year (2026 est.). This $30,751 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Caledonia median of $57,649 sits 22.44% below the US median.
Top OTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Caledonia | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $57,649 | $74,332 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,257 | $81,384 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $70,821 | $92,303 |
In Caledonia, experienced occupational therapy assistants (P90) earn 22.85% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Caledonia
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI occupational therapy assistants with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $57,649 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Caledonia employers.
Specialty Focus
Occupational Therapy Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Caledonia command premium compensation, often reaching the $63,257–$70,821 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Caledonia metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced occupational therapy assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured occupational therapy assistants in Caledonia 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 Therapy Assistants 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 Therapy Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Caledonia
Clinical Occupational Therapy Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapy Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCaledonia ranks #19 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner occupational therapy assistant salary (90th percentile: $70,821).
Top 10% occupational therapy assistant compensation in Caledonia ($70,821) is 4.44% below the Wisconsin average P90 ($74,114).
2019 BLS Actual
$63,077
2025 BLS Actual
$68,885
2026 Current Est.
$70,821
2019–2027 Growth
+15.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Caledonia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,077 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,519 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,542 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,662 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,463 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,860 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,885 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,821 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,811 | Projected |
Top-earning occupational therapy assistants (90th percentile) in Caledonia saw their compensation grow 9.2% from $63,077 in 2019 to $68,885 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.81% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $72,811 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Caledonia 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.
Maximizing Your Occupational Therapy Assistant Earnings in Caledonia
Factors influencing senior occupational therapy assistant pay in Caledonia include specialized skills and workplace settings. Professionals who focus on areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, and mental health, or those with competencies in hand therapy support and early intervention, may command higher salaries. The type of employer also impacts earnings, as skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab settings tend to offer higher compensation than schools or outpatient clinics, especially in the wake of the 15% Medicare cut that has affected service rates. Leadership opportunities are another avenue for enhanced salary; roles such as lead OTA or clinic operations coordinator not only offer higher pay but also the chance to influence practices within healthcare settings. Additional credentials, such as those earned through the NBCOT or advanced practices through the AOTA, provide further avenues for wage enhancement, making it vital for aspiring OTAs to stay abreast of educational and certification opportunities in a competitive market.
More salary data for Caledonia, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapy assistants make in Caledonia in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapy assistant pay in Caledonia?
What certifications boost occupational therapy assistant salary in Caledonia?
Can experienced occupational therapy assistants make six figures in Caledonia?
How much does occupational therapy assistant salary increase over time in Caledonia?
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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
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 $68,885 for occupational therapy assistants in the Caledonia metro area. A 2.81% 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 Caledonia 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