Occupational Therapist Jobs in Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee, Wisconsin$79,900 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Occupational Therapist Jobs in Milwaukee

Looking for a Occupational Therapist job in Milwaukee? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Occupational Therapist in Milwaukee, WI.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Milwaukee has a strong job market for Occupational Therapists. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Milwaukee

Entry Level
$55,930
Median
$79,900
Senior Level
$108,100

Occupational Therapist salaries in Milwaukee are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Milwaukee is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Patient AssessmentTreatment PlanningAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationCommunication

Occupational Therapist Job Market in Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI is a major regional employment hub for Occupational Therapist professionals. As a mid-sized metro with 577K residents, Milwaukee balances career opportunities with quality of life. The city's strong Manufacturing and Healthcare sectors create robust demand for Occupational Therapist talent. The market for Occupational Therapist positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Occupational Therapists in Milwaukee

Froedtert HealthAscension WisconsinAurora HealthMedical College of Wisconsin

Major employers hiring Occupational Therapists in Milwaukee include Froedtert Health, Ascension Wisconsin, Aurora Health, Medical College of Wisconsin. With major hospital systems and research institutions, Milwaukee offers excellent opportunities for healthcare professionals at all career stages. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Occupational Therapists in Milwaukee

Living in Milwaukee as a Occupational Therapist means navigating a cost of living that's close to the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,200/month (33% below the national average). At median Occupational Therapist salary, housing is quite affordable at 18% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $950/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

94
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.2K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Occupational Therapist in Milwaukee

Milwaukee Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Occupational Therapists in Milwaukee: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Occupational Therapist professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has relatively high state income taxes. A Occupational Therapist earning $79,900 might pay approximately $6,392 in state income tax. However, Wisconsin's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Occupational Therapists

The job outlook for Occupational Therapists in Milwaukee is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. Milwaukee's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include Patient Assessment, Treatment Planning, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation.

Relocating to Milwaukee

Milwaukee's affordable cost of living means your Occupational Therapist salary will stretch further than in major coastal cities. Many professionals relocate here for better quality of life. Wisconsin has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Occupational Therapist salary in Milwaukee, WI?

The average Occupational Therapist salary in Milwaukee, WI is $79,900 per year. Entry-level Occupational Therapists typically start around $55,930, while experienced professionals can earn $108,100 or more. The national average for Occupational Therapist roles is $85,000.

How many Occupational Therapist jobs are available in Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a strong job market with regular openings for Occupational Therapist professionals. Major employers hiring Occupational Therapists include Froedtert Health, Ascension Wisconsin, Aurora Health, Medical College of Wisconsin. The Manufacturing and Healthcare sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Milwaukee a good city for Occupational Therapists?

Milwaukee is an very good choice for Occupational Therapists. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The affordable cost of living means salaries go further than in more expensive markets. The city's manufacturing industry creates strong demand for healthcare professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Occupational Therapists in Milwaukee?

Top skills for Occupational Therapists in Milwaukee include Patient Assessment, Treatment Planning, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation, Communication. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Occupational Therapists in Milwaukee?

Milwaukee's cost of living is near the national average (94% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,200/month. Purchasing power in Milwaukee is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Occupational Therapists in Milwaukee?

Milwaukee Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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