Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Brooklyn Center, MN: $34.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Brooklyn Center, MN runs $34.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,745 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Brooklyn Center's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,047 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Brooklyn Center, MN is projected to be $34.49 per hour, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $35.74. This rate offers a solid foundation for both part-time and per-diem workers, particularly in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. For those working on a part-time basis, such as three days a week, the flexibility of hourly work can be beneficial. With entry-level positions starting at around $24.61 per hour, there is potential for growth to top earners making $43.04 hourly, appealing to a variety of professionals aspiring for advancement in the field.
About the Brooklyn Center 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) | $24.61 | $196.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.11 | $232.84 |
| Median (P50) | $34.49 | $275.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.32 | $290.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.04 | $344.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brooklyn Center
Based on $34.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.49/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brooklyn Center, MN can expect to earn approximately $71,745 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,391. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Brooklyn Center.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brooklyn Center
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,379.71 | $5,979 | $71,745 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $827.83 | $3,587 | $43,047 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $551.88 | $2,391 | $28,698 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Brooklyn Center) | $34.49 |
| 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 Brooklyn Center, MN earn a median of $71,745 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.48% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $73,209.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.49/hr = $43,047/year (purchasing power: $43,702).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,745/year (purchasing power: $72,837).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Brooklyn Center (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Brooklyn Center grew 17.5% from $28.54/hr (2019) to $33.55/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.46/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 Brooklyn Center 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 Brooklyn Center
For those considering part-time roles, an occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week could expect to take home about $42,900 annually when factoring in the hourly pay. In contrast, full-time professionals typically earn annual salaries significantly higher. Per-diem or agency COTAs often see pay rates ranging from $30 to $45 per hour, with specialized travel contracts offering $1,100 to $1,700 per week. Employers across Brooklyn Center—including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and school districts—present varied compensation depending on the work setting. Some occupational therapy assistants may opt for lower hourly pay that includes benefits like health insurance, while others may negotiate higher pay without benefits for greater immediate earnings. Understanding these dynamics can aid COTAs in crafting their employment strategies and making informed decisions about their careers in this evolving field of occupational therapy.
More salary data for Brooklyn Center, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Brooklyn Center in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Brooklyn Center?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Brooklyn Center paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Brooklyn Center?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Brooklyn Center?
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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 Brooklyn Center. 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 Brooklyn Center 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