Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Blaine, MN: $34.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Blaine, MN runs $34.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,096 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Blaine's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,662 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Blaine, Minnesota, the projected median hourly rate for an occupational therapy assistant stands at $34.18, slightly below the national median hourly figure of $35.74. This pay scale is indicative of the local market’s economic conditions, allowing for flexibility in part-time roles often lined with three-day work weeks. For those seeking per-diem employment in places like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, or even home health visits, the wage range provides ample opportunity. Workers may earn between $24.79 and $42.05 per hour, reflecting varying experience levels and settings. This hourly data is derived from the annual salary estimates, painting a comprehensive picture of expected compensation for occupational therapy assistants in the region.
About the Blaine 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) | $24.79 | $198.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.25 | $234.00 |
| Median (P50) | $34.18 | $273.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.34 | $298.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.05 | $336.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Blaine
Based on $34.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.18/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Blaine, MN can expect to earn approximately $71,103 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,021. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Blaine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Blaine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,367.37 | $5,925 | $71,103 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $820.42 | $3,555 | $42,662 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $546.95 | $2,370 | $28,441 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Blaine) | $34.18 |
| 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 Blaine, MN earn a median of $71,096 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.35% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.90% below the Minnesota state average of $73,220.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.18/hr = $42,662/year (purchasing power: $43,312).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,103/year (purchasing power: $72,186).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Blaine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Blaine grew 17.5% from $28.29/hr (2019) to $33.25/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.14/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 Blaine 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 Blaine
Considering part-time opportunities, an occupational therapy assistant working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can anticipate an annual income around $42,635. This is relatively modest compared to what full-time employees could earn, but part-time work often offers greater flexibility. For those interested in temporary or agency work, rates for per diem occupational therapy assistants typically fall between $30 and $45 per hour, with travel contracts yielding $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. However, significant fluctuations in pay have emerged post-2022 due to the Medicare reimbursement cuts affecting skilled nursing facility roles. Occupational therapy assistants in Blaine find variations in hourly rates based on employers, with some trading lower wages for benefits such as health insurance, which can be vital. Practical negotiation tips for these hourly workers include researching local pay scales and understanding the specific demands of the employer, which can help in securing better compensation amidst a challenging market environment.
More salary data for Blaine, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Blaine in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Blaine?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Blaine paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Blaine?
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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 Blaine. 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 Blaine 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