Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Burnsville, MN: $54,124 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Burnsville, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,124 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burnsville's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,948 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($72,203) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burnsville, Minnesota, new graduates entering the field of occupational therapy can expect a starting salary hovering around $54,124. When comparing this entry-level pay to the city's median annual salary of $72,203, there is a clear gap that reflects the experience and qualifications acquired over time. Early-career COTAs can anticipate a growth trajectory that moves them from this starting point through the 25th percentile of $63,114 within the first few years, eventually aiming toward the median as they gain more experience. For fresh graduates seeking to leap into occupational therapy, Burnsville presents a favorable job market with a projected annual growth rate of 2.81%, indicating steady demand for professionals in the field.
About the Burnsville Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burnsville
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 Burnsville
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Burnsville, MN typically start between $54,124 and $63,114 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,720 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $72,203 — 2.86% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Minnesota of $24,000 represents just 44.34% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($54,124/year) in Burnsville. 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 Burnsville
- 1Research the Burnsville market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $54,124 to $63,114, 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 Burnsville, 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 Burnsville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burnsville'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 Burnsville is $36,720 ( 67.84%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,124, experienced hygienists can earn up to $90,844.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,666
2025 BLS Actual
$52,645
2026 Current Est.
$54,124
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Burnsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,666 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,149 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,860 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,015 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,762 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,433 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,645 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,124 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,645 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Burnsville, MN grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,666 in 2019 to $52,645 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,645. New graduates entering the Burnsville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burnsville 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 Burnsville
A variety of employers in Burnsville actively hire entry-level occupational therapy assistants, particularly skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) that often provide rehabilitation services. While schools might offer a schedule conducive to a work-life balance during the summer, outpatient clinics typically favor more experienced COTAs but are open to training recent graduates, especially in areas like pediatric or hand therapy support. To enhance their starting pay potential in Minnesota, new grads should focus on obtaining their Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, completing the NBCOT national exam for the COTA credential, and securing the necessary state license. In light of the 15% Medicare cut that started affecting OTA services in 2022, it’s critical for new grads to navigate their career strategies thoughtfully, often working under the supervision of OTs as they build their skills. Realistically, salary growth expectations in the first few years can be promising, with early experiences paving the way to higher pay brackets as COTAs develop professionally.
More salary data for Burnsville, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Burnsville in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Burnsville?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Burnsville?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Burnsville?
How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in Minnesota?
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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 Burnsville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burnsville 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