Occupational Therapist Salary in Appleton, WI: $93,073 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Appleton, WI earns a median $93,073/year (≈ $44.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Appleton's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.4), that paycheck buys what $100,708 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Wisconsin state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapist salaries in Appleton, Wisconsin, reflect the varying demands of healthcare settings, with a median annual income projected at $93,073 for 2026. The full salary range spans from $77,429 to $109,862, illustrating the opportunities available for therapists depending on their work environment and experience. As occupational therapy roles continue to evolve, professionals may choose between employment in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), outpatient clinics, or educational institutions. Each option carries its own financial implications, with year-round positions generally offering more stable income than school-year contracts. This data, derived from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, highlights a competitive job market for occupational therapists in Appleton amidst the ongoing growth in healthcare needs.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,429 | $37.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,418 | $38.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $93,073 | $44.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106,976 | $51.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,862 | $52.82 |
Median Salary Position
9.99% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Appleton
In Appleton, WI, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,433 (2026 est.). At $93,073, the local median is 9.99% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Appleton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Appleton Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Appleton median: $93,073/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Appleton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $94,491 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -9.99% less |
Occupational Therapists in Appleton, WI earn a median of $93,073 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.99% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.50% below the Wisconsin state average of $94,491.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Appleton has a cost of living 7.58% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Appleton, WI has a cost-of-living index of 92.419 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $93,073 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $100,708 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.2% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$86,470
2025 BLS Actual
$90,310
2026 Current Est.
$93,073
2019–2027 Growth
+10.9%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Appleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,470 | Actual |
| 2020 | $79,850 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,460 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,700 | Actual |
| 2023 | $89,900 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,880 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,310 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,073 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,922 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Appleton metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 4.4% from $86,470 (2019) to $90,310 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,922 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,452 (10.93%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Appleton 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $77,429 – $80,418 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,418 – $93,073 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $93,073 – $106,976 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $106,976 – $109,862 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Appleton
Analyzing the local job market, Appleton currently employs around 140 occupational therapists, indicating a stable demand for professionals in this field. The cost of living index sits at 92.419, which is below the national average, suggesting that take-home purchasing power may be stronger compared to many other regions. Those seeking to maximize their occupational therapist pay in Appleton WI should consider employment in hospitals or specialized clinics, which generally offer higher wages than schools or SNFs. Factors influencing the pay spectrum include the settings of treatment (hospital positions typically pay more than school-based roles), the potential for bonuses from certifications, and the variability in productivity expectations. To improve earning potential, acquiring specialty certifications, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, can provide significant financial advantages.
More salary data for Appleton, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Appleton, WI in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Appleton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Appleton?
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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
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 $90,310 for occupational therapistsin the Appleton metropolitan area. A 3.06% 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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