Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Richfield, MN: $53,840 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Richfield, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,840 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Richfield's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,660 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($70,524) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants seeking to enter the workforce in Richfield, Minnesota, can expect a starting salary around $53,840 in 2026. This entry-level pay represents a significant initial income gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $70,524, highlighting the potential for growth as they gain experience. Over their first few years, entry-level professionals can anticipate increased earnings, progressing toward the 25th percentile of $62,323 and likely approaching the median as they build their skills and establish a professional network. For new graduates, Richfield presents a solid job market for occupational therapy assistants, especially given the projected annual growth rate of 2.81%, which suggests a steady demand for these essential health care roles.
About the Richfield Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Richfield
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 Richfield
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Richfield, MN typically start between $53,840 and $62,323 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,977 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $70,524 — 5.12% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Minnesota of $24,000 represents just 44.58% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($53,840/year) in Richfield. 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 Richfield
- 1Research the Richfield market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $53,840 to $62,323, 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 Richfield, 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 Richfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Richfield'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 Richfield is $31,977 ( 59.39%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,840, experienced hygienists can earn up to $85,817.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,442
2025 BLS Actual
$52,368
2026 Current Est.
$53,840
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Richfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,442 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,916 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,608 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,757 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,500 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,182 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,368 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,840 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,352 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Richfield, MN grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,442 in 2019 to $52,368 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,352. New graduates entering the Richfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richfield 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 Richfield
In Richfield, various employers actively recruit new graduates into their occupational therapy assistant workforce. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) often hire fresh graduates, while school districts provide appealing opportunities with summer schedules off. Outpatient clinics tend to prefer experienced COTAs, but many are open to training new staff, particularly for pediatric or hand-therapy roles. To improve their starting pay in Minnesota, entry-level candidates should obtain an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, pass the NBCOT national exam for the COTA credential, and secure a state OTA license. Realistic salary growth during the first three years for new professionals can be impacted by external factors, such as the 15% Medicare Part B cut that took effect in 2022, compressing pay in settings where COTAs operate under the supervision of OTs. Thus, focusing on building skills and gaining diverse experiences will be crucial for maximizing long-term earnings.
More salary data for Richfield, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Richfield in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Richfield?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Richfield?
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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 Richfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Richfield 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