Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Germantown, WI: $43.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Germantown, WI runs $43.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,499 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Germantown's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,698 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Germantown, Wisconsin, the projected hourly pay for an occupational therapist is $43.03 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $49.71. This disparity suggests that occupational therapists in the area may face unique challenges related to compensation. For part-time therapists working three days a week, this translates into a steady income, allowing for flexibility while still providing essential services in settings like hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. The hourly pay for entry-level positions starts at approximately $31.62, while experienced therapists can reach rates up to $54.91, demonstrating a significant range that reflects the varied demand within the field. It’s important for professionals in Germantown to recognize how these hourly estimates, derived from annual salary projections, can effectively shape their work-life balance and career decisions.
About the Germantown Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.62 | $252.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.06 | $296.48 |
| Median (P50) | $43.03 | $344.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.76 | $398.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.91 | $439.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Germantown
Based on $43.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.03/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Germantown, WI can expect to earn approximately $89,497 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,633. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Germantown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Germantown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,721.10 | $7,458 | $89,497 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,032.66 | $4,475 | $53,698 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $688.44 | $2,983 | $35,799 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Germantown) | $43.03 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Germantown, WI earn a median of $89,499 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.44% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 5.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $94,508.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.03/hr = $53,698/year (purchasing power: $57,493).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,497/year (purchasing power: $95,822).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Germantown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Germantown grew 18.1% from $35.35/hr (2019) to $41.75/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.34/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Germantown 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 3.06% 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 Therapist in Germantown
As the demand for occupational therapy services continues to grow, many therapists in Germantown may consider part-time roles or per diem opportunities. Working 24 hours a week, a part-time occupational therapist could expect to take home about $53,000 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart. On the other hand, per diem occupational therapists in Germantown often command higher hourly rates, typically billed between $50 to $75 per hour. Specialty certifications, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), can enhance earning potential further, with rates reaching $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. The variability in occupational therapist hourly rates across different employment types—such as skilled nursing facilities, schools, and home health agencies—creates diverse opportunities. Additionally, some therapists opt for lower hourly rates that include benefits like health insurance, weighing the trade-offs involved. For those seeking to maximize compensation, practical negotiation skills become vital, especially when discussing terms with prospective employers in Germantown, where local pay scales can differ widely based on the facility and patient population served.
More salary data for Germantown, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Germantown in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Germantown?
Are occupational therapists in Germantown paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Germantown?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Germantown?
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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
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 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Germantown. 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 Germantown 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 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov