Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Chanhassen, MN: $34.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Chanhassen, MN runs $34.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,887 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Chanhassen's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,137 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chanhassen, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is estimated at $34.56 in 2026, which is slightly below the national average of $35.74. This rate provides a solid earning potential for COTAs, especially for those working part-time schedules, such as three days a week, in settings like skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school therapy rooms. Entry-level positions start around $24.78, while more experienced therapists can command up to $41.22 hourly, reflecting significant wage progression with experience. The wide range of pay signifies the varying demand for certified occupational therapy assistants throughout the community, making this a viable option for both full-time professionals and those seeking flexibility through per-diem work.
About the Chanhassen 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) | $24.78 | $198.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.25 | $234.00 |
| Median (P50) | $34.56 | $276.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.17 | $297.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.22 | $329.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chanhassen
Based on $34.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.56/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chanhassen, MN can expect to earn approximately $71,895 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,478. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chanhassen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chanhassen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,382.59 | $5,991 | $71,895 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $829.55 | $3,595 | $43,137 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $553.04 | $2,396 | $28,758 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Chanhassen) | $34.56 |
| 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 Chanhassen, MN earn a median of $71,887 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.29% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.80% below the Minnesota state average of $73,204.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.56/hr = $43,137/year (purchasing power: $43,794).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,895/year (purchasing power: $72,989).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Chanhassen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Chanhassen grew 17.5% from $28.60/hr (2019) to $33.62/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.54/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 Chanhassen 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 Chanhassen
Those considering part-time work as occupational therapy assistants should evaluate their earning potential carefully. A typical 24-hour work week translates to approximately $43,110 annually for that part-time schedule, which is appealing compared to a full-time commitment. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Chanhassen typically ranges between $30 and $45 per hour. Additionally, travel contracts for COTAs can net between $1,100 and $1,700 per week, though the landscape has changed since the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut in 2022, causing many skilled nursing facilities to adjust their pay structures. Moreover, the hourly rates can differ significantly based on the type of employer, with outpatient clinics often offering lower wages without benefits compared to facilities that provide health insurance. Therefore, potential COTAs might negotiate for a higher hourly rate if they forgo benefits, while strategic negotiations will be essential to maximize their earning potential in a variety of placements in Chanhassen, MN.
More salary data for Chanhassen, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Chanhassen in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Chanhassen?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Chanhassen paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Chanhassen?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Chanhassen?
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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 Chanhassen. 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 Chanhassen 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