OT Assistant Salary

Minneapolis vs Shoreview: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)

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

Minneapolis, MN
$68,071
$32.72/hr
Shoreview, MN
$69,359
$33.34/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMinneapolis, MNShoreview, MN
Median Salary$68,071$69,359
Hourly Rate$32.72$33.34
Entry Level (P10)$60,442$51,074
25th Percentile$64,297$58,367
75th Percentile$75,092$74,271
Top Earner (P90)$75,092$82,192
Total Employed3506
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Minneapolis ($68,071) and Shoreview ($69,359) occupational therapy assistant salaries.MinneapolisShoreviewMedian Salary$68,071$69,359Entry Level (P10)$60,442$51,074Top Earner (P90)$75,092$82,192US Median $74,332

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Minneapolis and Shoreview is $1,288 (1.89%). Shoreview's median is -6.69% compared to the US national median of $74,332.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Minneapolis spans $14,650,Shoreview spans $31,118. Shoreview has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.

Minneapolis
P10 (Entry)$60,442
P25$64,297
Median$68,071
P75$75,092
P90 (Top)$75,092
Shoreview
P10 (Entry)$51,074
P25$58,367
Median$69,359
P75$74,271
P90 (Top)$82,192

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Shoreview ($70,415 effective) pays 8.43% more than Minneapolis ($64,940 effective).

Minneapolis
Nominal: $68,071
CoL Index: 104.822
Adjusted: $64,940
Shoreview
Nominal: $69,359
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $70,415

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Minneapolis if…

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

Choose Shoreview if…

  • Higher median salary ($69,359/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($82,192)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,415)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Minneapolis grew 24.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.5% growth in Shoreview over the same period.

Minneapolis, MN

+24.2%

$53,290 (2019) → $66,210 (2025)

Shoreview, MN

+9.5%

$61,584 (2024) → $67,463 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Shoreview has a higher median occupational therapy assistant salary at $69,359/year, compared to Minneapolis at $68,071/year — a difference of $1,288 (1.89%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and Shoreview?

Minneapolis occupational therapy assistants earn $32.72/hr while Shoreview hygienists earn $33.34/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Minneapolis and Shoreview. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Minneapolis = $64,940, Shoreview = $70,415), job availability (350 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapy assistants earn $60,442 in Minneapolis and $51,074 in Shoreview. 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