Average Occupational Therapists Salary in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
Occupational Therapists in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area earn an average annual salary of $90,110. This figure is slightly below the national average of $99,240, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation in this region. While the nominal pay is lower, understanding the cost of living is crucial for a complete financial picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $90,110 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $107,360.
- Outlook: The Milwaukee-Waukesha area supports a robust workforce of 1,130 Occupational Therapists, indicating a significant presence of these professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.39, the concentration of OTs in this region is notably higher than the national average, signaling a strong demand and a well-established professional community.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapists in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI earns-9.2%below the national average.
$43.3
$1,733
$7,509
Occupational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Occupational Therapists nationwide and in major metropolitan areas like Milwaukee-Waukesha have seen consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is driven by increasing healthcare needs, an aging population, and the expanding scope of occupational therapy services.
Occupational Therapists Salary Distribution in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
Salary progression for Occupational Therapists in Milwaukee-Waukesha typically scales with experience. Entry-level practitioners may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the 75th percentile and beyond, reflecting their accumulated expertise and value.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $74,410 | $35.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $67,583 | $32.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $87,690 | $42.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $112,638 | $54.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $107,360 | $51.6 |
Detailed Occupational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$90,110
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$90,110
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $90,110 in Milwaukee-Waukesha aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an OT's salary in this region is comparable to the national standard, making it a financially stable location without the premium often associated with high-cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
1,130
Total Jobs
1.374
Per 1K Jobs
1.39
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.39, Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Occupational Therapists roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.39 signifies that Occupational Therapists are more concentrated in Milwaukee-Waukesha than the national average. This suggests a healthy job market with potentially more opportunities and a competitive environment for professionals in this field, indicating a strong local demand for their specialized skills.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Occupational Therapists Salary | $86,480↓ 4% | 25 mi |
| Kenosha, WI Occupational Therapists Salary | $90,990↑ 1% | 33 mi |
| Sheboygan, WI Occupational Therapists Salary | $89,710↓ 0% | 48 mi |
| Fond du Lac, WI Occupational Therapists Salary | $84,020↓ 7% | 54 mi |
| Janesville-Beloit, WI Occupational Therapists Salary | $92,890↑ 3% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapists make in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapists in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is $90,110. This typically ranges from $74,410 for entry-level positions to $107,360 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 9.2% lower than the national median of $99,240.
Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a lucrative place for Occupational Therapists?
Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, maintaining comparable purchasing power. The high concentration of OTs indicates strong demand.
Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a good place to live for Occupational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI ($86,480) and Kenosha, WI.
How does the Milwaukee-Waukesha OT salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Occupational Therapists in Milwaukee-Waukesha is $90,110, which is approximately 9% lower than the national average of $99,240.
What is the concentration of Occupational Therapists in Milwaukee-Waukesha?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.39, meaning there are 39% more Occupational Therapists per worker in Milwaukee-Waukesha compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the OT salary in Milwaukee-Waukesha?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the same as the national average, the $90,110 salary in Milwaukee-Waukesha offers purchasing power equivalent to the national median.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate for OTs in Milwaukee-Waukesha?
There are 1.374 Occupational Therapist jobs per 1,000 workers in Milwaukee-Waukesha, indicating a solid presence and demand for these professionals within the local labor market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,130 employees in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area with a job density of 1.374 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Occupational Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI