Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Faribault, MN: $50,304 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Faribault, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,304 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Faribault's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,070 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,162) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting occupational therapy assistant salary in Faribault, Minnesota, is projected to be approximately $50,304, reflecting what new graduates can realistically expect as they begin their careers. While this entry-level figure is significantly lower than the city's median salary of $69,162, new graduates should view this starting point as an opportunity to grow within the field. Over the initial few years, there is potential for salary advancement, progressing through the P25 benchmark of $58,829 before reaching the median salary. Given the current job market dynamics in Faribault, this projected starting pay is competitive, particularly considering the costs associated with living in the area, which boasts a cost of living index below the national average.
About the Faribault Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Faribault
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 Faribault
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Faribault, MN typically start between $50,304 and $58,829 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,637 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,162 — 6.96% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Minnesota of $24,000 represents just 47.71% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($50,304/year) in Faribault. 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 Faribault
- 1Research the Faribault market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $50,304 to $58,829, 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 Faribault, 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 Faribault for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Faribault'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 Faribault is $32,637 ( 64.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,304, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,941.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,654
2025 BLS Actual
$48,929
2026 Current Est.
$50,304
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Faribault (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,654 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,032 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,482 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,556 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,249 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,048 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,929 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,304 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,717 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Faribault, MN grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,654 in 2019 to $48,929 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,717. New graduates entering the Faribault job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Faribault 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 Faribault
Employers in Faribault often recruit entry-level occupational therapy assistants through skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), where most new grads find their first roles. Although school districts may provide flexible schedules during summer breaks, outpatient clinics typically prefer COTAs with some experience, although they may also train new professionals in specialized areas such as pediatric and hand therapy. For those looking to enhance their starting new grad occupational therapy assistant pay in MN, obtaining the COTA credential from the NBCOT and maintaining a state license are essential steps. Additionally, pursuing continuing education and possibly focusing on advanced practice areas can facilitate career growth. In light of recent trends, such as the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursements for OTA services initiated in 2022, entry-level COTAs can expect modest salary increases in their first three years, emphasizing the importance of gaining a breadth of experience under supervision to bolster their value in the job market.
More salary data for Faribault, 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 Faribault. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Faribault 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