Beloit vs Madison: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Beloit, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Beloit, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,872 | $98,598▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.06 | $47.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,694 | $76,759▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,505▲ | $82,737 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,727▲ | $108,048 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,552▲ | $119,148 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 610▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Beloit.
The salary gap between Beloit and Madison is $726 (0.74%). Madison's median is -4.64% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Beloit spans $52,858,Madison spans $42,389. Beloit has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Beloit ($104,788 effective) pays 3.39% more than Madison ($101,348 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Beloit if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,552)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,788)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,598/year)
- ✓Larger job market (610 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Beloit grew 21.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.5% growth in Madison over the same period.
Beloit, WI
$78,092 (2024) → $94,966 (2025)
Madison, WI
$72,750 (2019) → $95,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Beloit, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Beloit or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Beloit and Madison?
Should I relocate from Beloit to Madison as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Beloit vs Madison?
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Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov