Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Winona, MN: $51,434 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Winona, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,434 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Winona's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,217 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,387) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as an occupational therapy assistant in Winona, MN, the starting salary is projected to be around $51,434 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the pay spectrum, with room for growth as new graduates establish their careers. Compared to the overall city median of $69,387, entry-level salaries indicate a noticeable gap; however, this presents an opportunity for advancing through professional experience. Entry-level professionals can expect to see their salary increase to approximately $59,967 after gaining some experience, potentially reaching the median salary within three to five years. Given the local job market and projected growth rate of 2.81%, Winona remains a promising area for new graduates embarking on their careers as occupational therapy assistants.
About the Winona Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Winona
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 Winona
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Winona, MN typically start between $51,434 and $59,967 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $30,847 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,387 — 6.65% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Minnesota of $24,000 represents just 46.66% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($51,434/year) in Winona. 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 Winona
- 1Research the Winona market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $51,434 to $59,967, 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 Winona, 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 Winona for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Winona'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 Winona is $30,847 ( 59.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,434, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,281.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,545
2025 BLS Actual
$50,028
2026 Current Est.
$51,434
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Winona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,545 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,954 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,481 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,579 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,288 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,040 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,028 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,434 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,879 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Winona, MN grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,545 in 2019 to $50,028 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,879. New graduates entering the Winona job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winona 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 Winona
In Winona, a variety of healthcare employers actively seek new graduates for occupational therapy assistant positions. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) typically hire a significant number of COTA graduates, while school districts often provide structured schedules conducive to work-life balance during the summer months. Although outpatient clinics may lean towards experienced COTAs, they often welcome fresh talent for supportive roles in pediatric therapy or hand therapy. To enhance their starting pay in Minnesota, new grads should obtain their credentials, including an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, the NBCOT certification, and a state OTA license. Additionally, being aware of the ongoing impact of the 15% Medicare Part B cut, which constrains reimbursement for OTA services, can help aspiring professionals strategize their first few years. Realistic salary growth is attainable, considering the industry dynamics, with COTAs witnessing pay increases as they navigate the challenges and opportunities in the field.
More salary data for Winona, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Winona in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Winona?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Winona?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Winona?
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 Winona. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Winona 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