Cottage Grove vs Rochester: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Cottage Grove, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cottage Grove, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $72,262 | $73,703▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.74 | $35.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,430 | $54,230▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,613 | $63,840▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,601 | $82,725▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,355 | $94,863▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 29▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cottage Grove.
The salary gap between Cottage Grove and Rochester is $1,441 (1.99%). Rochester's median is -0.85% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cottage Grove spans $31,925,Rochester spans $40,633. Rochester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($74,825 effective) pays 1.99% more than Cottage Grove ($73,362 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cottage Grove if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,703/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,863)
- ✓Larger job market (29 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,825)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Cottage Grove grew 9.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.5% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Cottage Grove, MN
$64,162 (2024) → $70,287 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$65,442 (2024) → $71,689 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cottage Grove, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Cottage Grove or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cottage Grove and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Cottage Grove to Rochester as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Cottage Grove vs Rochester?
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.
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