Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Minot, ND: $48,169 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Minot, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,169 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Minot's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,358 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,159) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, newly graduated occupational therapy assistants in Minot, North Dakota can expect to see starting salaries around $48,169, which reflects the 10th percentile of the pay scale for this profession. While this entry-level figure is below the city's median annual salary of $67,159, it serves as a foundation that allows for growth over the first few years. Entry-level practitioners can anticipate progression from the starting rate to an estimated $56,850 at the 25th percentile and eventually reaching the median as they gain experience and skills. Given Minot’s consistent demand for COTAs within various healthcare settings, such as skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics, it’s an encouraging market for new graduates looking to launch their careers in occupational therapy.
About the Minot Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Minot
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 Minot
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Minot, ND typically start between $48,169 and $56,850 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,948 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,159 — 9.65% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in North Dakota of $18,000 represents just 37.37% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($48,169/year) in Minot. 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 Minot
- 1Research the Minot market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $48,169 to $56,850, 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 ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Minot, 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 Minot for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Minot's below-average 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 Minot is $31,948 ( 66.32%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,169, experienced hygienists can earn up to $80,117.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,971
2025 BLS Actual
$46,852
2026 Current Est.
$48,169
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Minot (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,971 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,291 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,594 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,622 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,286 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,516 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,852 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,169 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,522 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Minot, ND grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,971 in 2019 to $46,852 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,522. New graduates entering the Minot job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Minot 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 Minot
Employers in Minot frequently hire entry-level occupational therapy assistants, particularly in skilled nursing facilities, where most new graduates find their initial positions. School districts can also be appealing for COTAs seeking a more family-friendly schedule, as these roles typically allow for summers off. Outpatient clinics may prefer experienced COTAs, yet they do offer training opportunities for new grads, especially in areas like pediatrics or hand therapy. To enhance their starting pay and job prospects in North Dakota, it is vital for new graduates to attain an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, pass the NBCOT national exam for COTA credentialing, and obtain a state OTA license. The current landscape includes challenges, as the 15% Medicare Part B cut for OTA services has intensified competition for roles and may influence pay in certain settings. A strategic approach in the first three years typically results in a reasonable growth trajectory as new COTAs build their expertise under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists.
More salary data for Minot, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Minot in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Minot?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Minot?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Minot?
How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in North Dakota?
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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 Minot. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Minot 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