Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Shoreview, MN: $51,074 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Shoreview, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,074 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Shoreview's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,852 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,359) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Shoreview presents a promising landscape for new graduates pursuing a career as an occupational therapy assistant. In 2026, entry-level positions are expected to offer starting salaries around $51,074, which is lower than the city’s median salary of $69,359. However, this gap may be bridged over the first few years, as emerging professionals can experience salary increases to $58,367 and potentially up to the median level as they gain experience. This gradual growth trajectory, combined with a projected annual growth rate of 2.81%, positions Shoreview as a viable job market for new COTAs, particularly given the city's robust healthcare sector.
About the Shoreview Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Shoreview
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 Shoreview
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Shoreview, MN typically start between $51,074 and $58,367 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,118 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,359 — 6.69% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Minnesota of $24,000 represents just 46.99% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($51,074/year) in Shoreview. 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 Shoreview
- 1Research the Shoreview market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $51,074 to $58,367, 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 Shoreview, 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 Shoreview for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Shoreview'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 Shoreview is $31,118 ( 60.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,074, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,192.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,261
2025 BLS Actual
$49,678
2026 Current Est.
$51,074
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Shoreview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,261 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,660 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,163 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,253 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,957 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,721 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,678 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,074 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,509 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Shoreview, MN grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,261 in 2019 to $49,678 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,509. New graduates entering the Shoreview job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shoreview 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 Shoreview
A variety of employers in Shoreview are ready to welcome newly credentialed occupational therapy assistants into their teams. Skilled nursing facilities are notably the largest employers of entry-level COTAs, offering structured training opportunities. Meanwhile, school districts attract new grads with schedules that allow for summers off, appealing to those seeking a balanced work-life structure. For those aiming to enhance their starting occupational therapy assistant salary in Shoreview, credentials such as an associate’s degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing score on the NBCOT national exam, and obtaining a state OTA license are vital. In light of the 15% Medicare Part B cut enacted in 2022, which may compress pay in specific settings, new professionals should consider specializing in areas like pediatric therapy or hand therapy that may offer more opportunities for advancement. As new graduates navigate the first three years, realistic salary growth expectations align with the importance of continual education and skill enhancement in this evolving field.
More salary data for Shoreview, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Shoreview in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Shoreview?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Shoreview?
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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 Shoreview. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Shoreview 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