OT Assistant Salary

Chanhassen vs Minneapolis: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Chanhassen, MN and Minneapolis, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Chanhassen, MN
$71,887
$34.56/hr
Minneapolis, MN
$68,071
$32.72/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChanhassen, MNMinneapolis, MN
Median Salary$71,887$68,071
Hourly Rate$34.56$32.72
Entry Level (P10)$51,531$60,442
25th Percentile$60,831$64,297
75th Percentile$77,304$75,092
Top Earner (P90)$85,724$75,092
Total Employed4350
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chanhassen ($71,887) and Minneapolis ($68,071) occupational therapy assistant salaries.ChanhassenMinneapolisMedian Salary$71,887$68,071Entry Level (P10)$51,531$60,442Top Earner (P90)$85,724$75,092US Median $74,332

Verdict

Chanhassen, MN offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Minneapolis.

The salary gap between Chanhassen and Minneapolis is $3,816 (5.61%). Chanhassen's median is -3.29% compared to the US national median of $74,332.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chanhassen spans $34,193,Minneapolis spans $14,650. Chanhassen has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Chanhassen
P10 (Entry)$51,531
P25$60,831
Median$71,887
P75$77,304
P90 (Top)$85,724
Minneapolis
P10 (Entry)$60,442
P25$64,297
Median$68,071
P75$75,092
P90 (Top)$75,092

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Chanhassen ($72,982 effective) pays 12.38% more than Minneapolis ($64,940 effective).

Chanhassen
Nominal: $71,887
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $72,982
Minneapolis
Nominal: $68,071
CoL Index: 104.822
Adjusted: $64,940

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Chanhassen if…

  • Higher median salary ($71,887/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($85,724)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,982)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Minneapolis if…

  • Larger job market (350 employed)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Chanhassen grew 9.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.2% growth in Minneapolis over the same period.

Chanhassen, MN

+9.5%

$63,829 (2024) → $69,922 (2025)

Minneapolis, MN

+24.2%

$53,290 (2019) → $66,210 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Chanhassen or Minneapolis?

Chanhassen has a higher median occupational therapy assistant salary at $71,887/year, compared to Minneapolis at $68,071/year — a difference of $3,816 (5.61%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chanhassen and Minneapolis?

Chanhassen occupational therapy assistants earn $34.56/hr while Minneapolis hygienists earn $32.72/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Chanhassen to Minneapolis as a occupational therapy assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chanhassen and Minneapolis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chanhassen = $72,982, Minneapolis = $64,940), job availability (4 vs 350 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Chanhassen vs Minneapolis?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapy assistants earn $51,531 in Chanhassen and $60,442 in Minneapolis. The Minneapolis area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, COTA/LData verified by Samuel Chen, OTR/L

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% 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 Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov