Grand Forks vs Mandan: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Grand Forks, ND and Mandan, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Forks, ND | Mandan, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,771▲ | $63,914 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.06▲ | $30.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,933 | $50,769▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,612▲ | $56,036 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,384▲ | $68,783 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,531▲ | $75,369 |
| Total Employed | 14▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Grand Forks, ND offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mandan.
The salary gap between Grand Forks and Mandan is $4,857 (7.60%). Grand Forks's median is -7.48% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Forks spans $34,598,Mandan spans $24,600. Grand Forks has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Forks ($74,751 effective) pays 7.60% more than Mandan ($69,472 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,771/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,531)
- ✓Larger job market (14 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,751)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Mandan if…
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Grand Forks grew 16.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.6% growth in Mandan over the same period.
Grand Forks, ND
$57,362 (2024) → $66,891 (2025)
Mandan, ND
$53,311 (2024) → $62,167 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Forks, ND
Mandan, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Grand Forks or Mandan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Forks and Mandan?
Should I relocate from Grand Forks to Mandan as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Grand Forks vs Mandan?
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