Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Edina, MN: $50,840 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Edina, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,840 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Edina's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,614 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($70,783) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting as an occupational therapy assistant in Edina, MN, new graduates can expect a starting pay of approximately $50,840, significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $70,783. This gap highlights the potential growth trajectory, where entry-level salaries can increase to about $60,208 in a few years, converging towards the median as experience builds. Given the optimistic 2.81% yearly growth in this field, Edina presents a favorable market for newcomers looking to establish their careers. The potential earnings over the first few years not only reflect the city's demand for occupational therapy services but also underscore the opportunities available for further professional development.
About the Edina Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Edina
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 Edina
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Edina, MN typically start between $50,840 and $60,208 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,024 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $70,783 — 4.77% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Minnesota of $24,000 represents just 47.21% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($50,840/year) in Edina. 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 Edina
- 1Research the Edina market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $50,840 to $60,208, 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 Edina, 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 Edina for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Edina'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 Edina is $38,024 ( 74.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,840, experienced hygienists can earn up to $88,864.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,077
2025 BLS Actual
$49,450
2026 Current Est.
$50,840
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Edina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,077 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,469 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,955 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,041 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,742 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,509 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,450 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,840 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,268 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Edina, MN grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,077 in 2019 to $49,450 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,268. New graduates entering the Edina job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edina 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 Edina
When pursuing positions as a new grad occupational therapy assistant, several employers in Edina may provide job opportunities, including skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and school districts, with the latter often offering favorable schedules during summer. Outpatient clinics in the area may be more selective, typically favoring experienced COTAs, but they are open to training new professionals, especially in pediatric and hand-therapy programs. To enhance earning potential, candidates should ensure they complete an Associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, pass the NBCOT exam to earn the COTA credential, and obtain state licensure. Considering the impact of the 15% Medicare Part B cut enacted in 2022—which affected compensation for services provided by COTAs—this training is essential for navigating the evolving job market. Over the initial years, realistic salary expectations may reflect slow yet steady growth as new COTAs gain experience and build their professional networks.
More salary data for Edina, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Edina in 2026?
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Is occupational therapy school worth it in Edina?
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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 Edina. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Edina 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