Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Andover, MN: $33.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Andover, MN runs $33.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,557 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Andover's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,328 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Andover, Minnesota, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $33.92, which is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This hourly compensation reflects the diverse settings where COTAs typically work, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. With entry-level positions earning around $26.06 per hour and top earners reaching up to $41.31, aspiring occupational therapy assistants have ample opportunities to find roles that suit their desired lifestyle, whether seeking part-time work three days a week or pursuing per-diem positions that offer the flexibility to choose their hours. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, offer insight into potential earning capabilities for those entering or progressing in the profession.
About the Andover Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.06 | $208.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.00 | $240.00 |
| Median (P50) | $33.92 | $271.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.00 | $296.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.31 | $330.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Andover
Based on $33.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.92/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Andover, MN can expect to earn approximately $70,547 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,700. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Andover.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Andover
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,356.68 | $5,879 | $70,547 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $814.01 | $3,527 | $42,328 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $542.67 | $2,352 | $28,219 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Andover) | $33.92 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Andover, MN earn a median of $70,557 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.08% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.60% below the Minnesota state average of $73,192.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.92/hr = $42,328/year (purchasing power: $42,973).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,547/year (purchasing power: $71,622).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Andover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Andover grew 17.5% from $28.07/hr (2019) to $32.99/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.87/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Andover 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Andover
When evaluating part-time work for a 3-day week schedule, an occupational therapy assistant can anticipate an annual takeaway significantly lower than full-time colleagues, though the flexibility can be appealing. Per diem positions often fall within a pay range of $30 to $45 per hour, allowing COTAs to optimize their income based on demand and willingness to adapt to varying work environments. For those considering agency work, travel contracts might yield between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly; however, the impact of recent reimbursement cuts for OT services, specifically the 15% Medicare reduction that took effect in 2022, has influenced agency pay in skilled nursing facilities. Different employer types—like school districts versus outpatient clinics—may vary the compensation, prompting some occupational therapy assistants to weigh health insurance benefits against higher hourly rates without benefits. For negotiating effectively in Andover's market, familiarity with local pay rates and industry standards, alongside knowledge of the AOTA and NBCOT guidelines, will enhance bargaining power.
More salary data for Andover, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Andover in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Andover?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Andover paid hourly or salary?
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Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Andover?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Andover. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Andover 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