Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Andover, MN: $54,219 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Andover, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,219 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Andover's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,045 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($70,557) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Salaries for entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Andover, Minnesota reveal an engaging landscape for new graduates in 2026. The starting pay for a COTA at the P10 level is projected at $54,219, which is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $70,557, indicating a typical gap during the initial career phase. However, as new professionals gain experience, they can anticipate growth through the P25 level at $62,395, potentially reaching the median salary within just a few years. With a positive employment landscape driven by a projected growth rate of 2.81% annually, Andover offers a promising environment for fresh graduates navigating the beginning of their careers.
About the Andover Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Andover
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Andover
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Andover, MN typically start between $54,219 and $62,395 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,704 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $70,557 — 5.08% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Minnesota of $24,000 represents just 44.26% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($54,219/year) in Andover. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school settings.
OTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Andover
- 1Research the Andover market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $54,219 to $62,395, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Andover, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Andover for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Andover's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Compensation Range
The occupational therapy assistant wage spread in Andover is $31,704 ( 58.47%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,219, experienced hygienists can earn up to $85,923.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,741
2025 BLS Actual
$52,737
2026 Current Est.
$54,219
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Andover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,741 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,226 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,944 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,101 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,849 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,520 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,737 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,219 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,742 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Andover, MN grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,741 in 2019 to $52,737 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,742. New graduates entering the Andover job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Andover metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Andover
In Andover, a variety of employers actively seek to hire new graduates in this profession. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are major employers for entry-level COTAs, but new grads may also find opportunities in school districts, particularly attractive for those seeking summer-off schedules. Although outpatient clinics often prefer COTAs with experience, they are willing to train new hires in specialized areas like pediatric care or hand therapy. To enhance earning potential, new graduates should pursue degrees from ACOTE-accredited OTA programs, gain certification via the NBCOT exam, and obtain a state OTA license. Those additional credentials will prove beneficial, especially in the wake of the 15% Medicare Part B cut affecting OTA services since 2022. Realistic salary expectations in the first three years demand patience, as entry-level pay may start lower, but with experience and specialization, many can expect their compensation to rise steadily within the demands of the field.
More salary data for Andover, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Andover. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Andover is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
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