Occupational Therapist Salary in Oshkosh, WI: $98,340 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Oshkosh, WI earns a median $98,340/year (≈ $47.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Oshkosh's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.9), that paycheck buys what $105,823 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% above the Wisconsin state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Oshkosh, WI, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $98,340 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $103,400. This role offers a salary range between $76,337 at the tenth percentile and up to $111,243 at the ninetieth percentile, reflecting the variety of settings in which occupational therapists can work. The job market in Oshkosh is characterized by the choice between engaging in hospital settings, educational institutions, or skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), with year-round offers generally paying more than school-year contracts. With salaries so closely tied to the type of employer, prospective occupational therapists in this city should carefully consider where they apply, as each setting presents distinct financial opportunities.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,337 | $36.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,398 | $37.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,340 | $47.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106,090 | $51.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,243 | $53.48 |
Median Salary Position
4.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oshkosh
In Oshkosh, WI, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,906 (2026 est.). At $98,340, the local median is 4.89% below the national median of $103,400.
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How Oshkosh Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Oshkosh median: $98,340/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oshkosh Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $94,467 | +4.10% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | -4.89% less |
Occupational Therapists in Oshkosh, WI earn a median of $98,340 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.89% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.10% above the Wisconsin state average of $94,467.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oshkosh has a cost of living 7.07% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Oshkosh, WI has a cost-of-living index of 92.929 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $98,340 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $105,823 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$73,100
2025 BLS Actual
$95,420
2026 Current Est.
$98,340
2019–2027 Growth
+38.6%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Oshkosh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,100 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,190 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,490 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,890 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,660 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,520 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,420 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,340 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,349 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oshkosh metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 30.5% from $73,100 (2019) to $95,420 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,349 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,249 (38.64%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oshkosh 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) | $76,337 – $78,398 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,398 – $98,340 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,340 – $106,090 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $106,090 – $111,243 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Oshkosh
With 90 occupational therapists currently employed in Oshkosh, the local job market for this profession is stable, offering consistent opportunities for employment. A cost-of-living index of 92.929 indicates that Oshkosh is more affordable than many areas nationwide, which can enhance take-home pay and living standards for occupational therapists. Generally, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation tend to offer the highest salaries in the city, while school district contracts may yield lower pay. Factors influencing the salary variance include the type of employer, any specialized certifications such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation, and productivity expectations. As demand for occupational therapy continues to grow, professionals should focus on obtaining relevant certifications and seeking positions in the more lucrative settings to maximize their earnings in Oshkosh, ensuring they align their skills with market needs.
More salary data for Oshkosh, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Oshkosh, WI in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Oshkosh?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Oshkosh?
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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 $95,420 for occupational therapistsin the Oshkosh 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